“Solidarity to Ronaldo”, “Martinez saves Messi” - X goes wild as Argentina reach Copa America semi-final despite Lionel Messi missing penalty
Social media compared Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, as Argentina reached the semi-finals of the Copa America 2024 after beating Ecuador on Thursday (July 4). The Albiceleste won in the penalty shootout, where Messi missed his shot, to secure their berth in the semi-finals.
The legendary Argentine playmaker struggled to make an impact in the game, as the Ecuadorians found ways to limit his extensive abilities. It was a hard-fought match for them, but in the 35th minute, they could have done a bit better to stop Lisandro Martinez from finding the net.
It was a well-planned set-piece that broke the deadlock for the Albiceleste. A corner kick came in and was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister to Martinez, and the Manchester United defender, who was unmarked at the back post, did not miss.
Argentina found the strength to control the game for many long minutes, but soon enough, Ecuador began to find their chances. A handball from Rodrigo de Paul led to a penalty, but Enner Valencia missed from 12 yards, hitting the post.
A shocking error from Albiceleste nearly gifted their opponents the equalizer in the 90th minute, but it was a clear sign of things to come. Deep into stoppage time, Ecuador finally found the elusive equalizer. A quickly-taken freekick caught their opponents unaware, as Kevin Rodriguez was able to nod in the ball.
Jordy Caicedo nearly scored the winning goal for Ecuador, just moments away from the final whistle, but his huge chance in front of the goal went wide. The game went to penalties, with Lionel Messi missing, as he hit the crossbar. However, Argentina rallied with the help of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, winning the shootout 4-2.
Here is how X reacted:
"Messi losing the penalty to show solidarity to Ronaldo 😂" a fan mocked, as Ronaldo recently missed a penalty during the EUROs.
"Messi and Ronaldo missing penalties within the same week. The sport I love is dying," another fan cried.
"Congratulations to Man united starboys for making it to the semis," a fan praised Lisandro Martinez.
"Emiliano Martinez saves Lionel Messi once again," another noted.
"Messi should build Martinez a statue at this point," a fan added.
"Every Messi needs a Dibu Martinez! The HERO of Argentina! ❤" another fan tweeted.
"I can sleep in peace. Argentina and Lionel Messi have qualified for the semi-finals of Copa America. Sound sleep my people," a fan was pleased.
Others added:
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo miss penalties in the same week
Fans were shocked to see Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty for Portugal in EURO 2024 on Monday (July 1). It was an extra-time effort that might have won the game for the Selecao but was saved by Jan Oblak of Slovenia.
The forward was inconsolable afterward, but he did score in the penalty shootout that ensured their place in the quarter-finals. In Lionel Messi's case, it was a bit different, as the Argentina captain took his country's first effort in the shootout.
The captain's decision to take a panenka backfired as it hit the crossbar without going in. This was one of the rare occasions where both legendary players missed penalties in the same week. It seems unlikely to happen more often in the future.