Emi Martinez saved two penalties to spare Lionel Messi’s blushes as Argentina advanced to the Copa America semi-final

Argentina are yet to hit their best in Copa America. La Albiceleste have been loose at times, a shadow of their World Cup-winning selves. But on Friday, another lackluster performance proved to be enough, as the reigning champions beat Ecuador on penalties 4-2 after a 1-1 draw on regulation to secure a semifinal spot.

Lionel Messi struggled through the contest, failing to make a mark – and missing a spot-kick, again. Still, those around him were decisive, with Emi Martinez saving two efforts to send Argentina through.

La Albicelste found the breakthrough after 35 minutes, with Lisandro Martinez nodding home at the far post off a well-worked corner routine. Enzo Fernandez could have made it two before half time, but dragged an effort narrowly wide.

They seemed sure to have won it in normal time, but Kevin Rodriguez’s glancing header in second half stoppage time sent the contest to penalties.

Messi missed Argentina’s first, but Martinez stood firm – and the rest of the Albiceleste converted to secure a fifth-straight semi-final spot.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Emi Martinez (10/10):

Made some smart stops in the first half. Saved two penalties in yet another heroic shootout performance.

Nahuel Molina (7/10):

Won almost all of his tackles, made a couple of important recoveries, and kept the dangerous Kendry Paez quiet.

Lisandro Martinez (8/10):

Couldn’t miss from close range to open the scoring – his first goal for the national team. Solid defensively, too.

Christian Romero (7/10):

Circulated the ball well, won his duels, and drew a few important free-kicks to kill the game late on.

Nico Tagliafico (6/10):

Completed all-but one of his passes. Most of the Ecuador threat came down the other wing.

Midfield

Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):

Went about his defensive work effectively in an unfamiliar right-sided role. Gave up a penalty with a silly handball.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

Tidy and classy in the middle of the park. Assisted his team’s opener. Understated but so effective.

Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

Missed a trio of good chances in the first half. Loose in possession and poor defensively, too. Not his best game.

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

Put in a shift on the left, and ate up grass. Offered little offensively – but it didn’t matter.

Attack

Lionel Messi (6/10):

A bit loose early on after missing the last game with a leg injury. Still provided some memorable moments with clever passes. Not hit his best in the tournament – yet.

Lautaro Martinez (5/10):

Fed off scraps in the first half. Didn’t have many more opportunities after the break. Subbed after a frustrating hour.