Argentina edged past Ecuador on penalties on Thursday night to secure their place in the Copa América semi-finals.The game finished 1-1 after a drаmаtic late equalizer from Ecuador, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero by saving two penalties in the shootout.

Lionel Messi started the match despite concerns over a hamstring ιnjury, and his influence was evident early on.In the 35th minute, his corner found Lisandro Martinez, who headed home to put Argentina ahead.

However, Ecuador fought back and nearly equalized from the penalty spot just before halftime. Luckily for Argentina, Enner Valencia’s penalty struck the post.

The pressure continued for Ecuador, and they finally found their equalizer in stoppage time through Kevin Rodriguez. With no extra time in Copa America knockout games (except the final), the match went straight to penalties.

The shootout was a tense affair. Messi missed Argentina’s first penalty, but Emiliano Martinez stepped up with two crucial saves to give his team the advantage.Nicolas Otamendi then coolly slotted home the winning penalty, sending Argentina into the last four. Their next opponent will be either Venezuela or Canada, who face off later tonight.