Watch: Messi's paneka penalty goes wrong in Argentina's win vs Ecuador to reach Copa America semis

Defending champions Argentina entered the Copa America 2024 semifinals on July 4 after they edged past Ecuador in a thrilling clash. However, Lionel Messi's paneka penalty went horribly wrong when the match stretched to the shootouts, after the gameled to a 1-1 stalemate, in the quarterfinal at the NRG stadium in Texas.

Messi came for the first penalty shoot from Argentina and aimed to give his side an early advantage.The Argentina skipper, who is struggling with injuries in the ongoing tournament,tried an audacious attempt to put the ball into the back of the net.

However, Messi's attempt fell flat as his shot went on to clip the top of the crossbar and went overthe Ecuador goalkeeper, who had already gone the opposite way. Here is the video below:

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In the end, Messi's miss didn'tcome back to haunt his side as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinezsaved the day. Martinezsaved Ecuador's first penalty attempt from Mena and also prevented a goal from Alan Mindaas Argentina took the lead and won 4-2 inthe shootout.

Talking about the regulation time, Messi set up the first goal of the contest before Lisandro Martinezprovided the finishing touch. Ecuador, however, came back and displayed a spirited fight in the second half, resulting in a goal from Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time. With no extra time in this year's Copa America, the match went to the shootouts where Martinez was the hero for Argentina.

Argentina will now faceVenezuela or Canada in the semifinals.