VIDEO: Lionel Messi shockingly misses penalty kick attempt in shootout vs Ecuador, but Emi Martinez’ heroics bail Argentina star out

Lionel Messi hit the bar with a failed panenka spot-kick in Argentina’s Copa America quarter final shootout win against Ecuador Thursday.

Argentina captain pinged penalty off the bar
Emi Martinez spared blushes with shootout save heroics
Albiceleste will play in semi-final next week

WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi endured a rare big-moment slip-up in Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final clash with Ecuador, pinging a penalty off the bar in La Albiceleste’s shootout win.

Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez consoled the Inter Miami forward immediately, but it was a shocking start to the shootout.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

His blunder ultimately mattered little as Emi Martinez provided yet another memorable shootout performance, stopping two Ecuador attempts, while the rest of Messi’s side converted to seal a 4-2 win.

Still, though. It’s a haunting moment for the Argentine. One can’t help but think of his missed attempt in the 2016 Copa America final – a moment that saw him briefly retire from the national team

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA?

La Albiceleste have secured a spot in a fifth straight Copa America semifinal. They will face the winner of Venezuela and Canada Tuesday evening.