Argentina Reaches Copa America Semifinals, Beating Ecuador 4–2 on Penalty Kicks After 1–1 Draw

Players of Argentina celebrate defeating Ecuador in a penalty shootout in a Copa America quarterfinal soccer match in Houston on July 4, 2024. Julio Cortez/AP Photo

HOUSTON—Lionel Messi stepped up to take Argentina’s first penalty kick in a Copa America shootout against Ecuador, just like he did in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France.

Only this time, Messi hit the crossbar, jeopardizing a trip to the semifinals.