Breaking: Ecuador score stoppage time equaliser to push Lionel Messi and Argentina to penalties in Copa America quarter-final
Ecuador struck a 91st-minute equalizer against Argentina in their 2024 Copa America quarter-final clash at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kevin Rodriguez popped up with a header in the closing stages to rescue La Tricolor.
La Albiceleste broke the deadlock through Lisandro Martinez in the 35th minute. The goal put the defending champions on the verge of reaching the semi-finals.
However, the Ecuadorians upped the ante late on and pushed for the elusive leveler even after missing a second-half penalty. Then in the first minute of second-half injury time, Rodriguez converted a cross from John Yeboah beyond the despairing dive of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
It was only Rodriguez's second goal for Ecuador in his international career, having only opened his account last October against Bolivia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
With no further action for the next five minutes, the game ended 1-1 for the sides, as a penalty shootout beckoned.
Argentina have never lost to Ecuador in Copa America
Argentina have never lost to Ecuador at the Copa America in 16 previous meetings, including a 3-0 win over La Tricolor in the quarter-finals of the last edition.
With today's result, their unbeaten record continued. Ecuador were unable to redeem themselves in the penalty shootout as Angel Mena and Alan Minda missed in a 4-2 loss to crash out of the continental competition. Notably, Lionel Messi missed his penalty in the shootout but Emiliano Martinez stood strong to save his captain and Argentina.
Earlier, on the hour mark, Ecuador were awarded a penalty for a handball on Rodrigo De Paul. However, Enner Valencia's effort hit the post as Argentina's slender lead was kept intact.
Although Kevin Rodriguez scored a last-gasp equalizer for Ecuador, Argentina had the last laugh in the penalty shootout.
Messi and company will face the winner between Venezuela and Canada in the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America on Tuesday, July 9.