In an interview with the press after Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 in the penalty shootout (1-1 draw after 90 minutes), superstar Lionel Messi said he felt very angry after missing the penalty.

Messi and Lisandro Martinez celebrate after winning the penalty shootout – Photo: Reuters

On the morning of July 5, Argentina defeated Ecuador in the quarterfinals of Copa America 2024. The highlight of the match was Messi’s return to play after injury and missed a penalty kick.

Messi  missed the first penalty in the shootout. Fortunately, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez shone when he saved the next two shots from Ecuador, contributing greatly to the 4-2 victory for defending champion Argentina. 

Speaking to the Argentine press after the match, Messi said: “I feel very angry about the missed penalty. I have great confidence in kicks like that, having done them many times in training with Emiliano Martínez.” 

The Argentina captain also praised goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for saving him from the “sinner” label. 

Messi said: “Before this match, Emiliano Martínez said that if there was a penalty, we should be calm because he would save it. Martínez did, he likes these moments and it turned out great.” 

Before the match, there were many doubts about Messi being able to play because he had not fully recovered from his injury. But he made an effort to be on the field and brought confidence to the players. 

Messi shared: “I tried to get rid of the discomfort and pain by practicing little by little. I felt a little scared, but in the last training session I felt much better. There is a bit of psychological anxiety when you have an injury. Coach  Scaloni asked me if I was ready to play and I said yes.” 

Speaking about the upcoming semi-final, Messi commented: “This semi-final is like all matches, it is special because it is a little closer to the goal of playing in a final. That is what Argentina wants and now we have to prepare everything.”