"This is a team, if the team played well, he played well" - Argentina manager on Lionel Messi's performance in Copa America Q/F win over Ecuador
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has delivered his verdict on Lionel Messi's performance in their Copa America quarterfinal win over Ecuador. The Inter Miami ace missed a spot-kick in the shootout as his side triumphed 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals.
Messi picked up an injury in the second group match against Chile after recording an assist in the tournament opener against Canada. The 37-year-old was forced to sit out of the final group game against Peru as he recovered from an adductor problem.
Lionel Messi looked some way from his true self in the game against Ecuador as he struggled to influence proceedings. It was, however, from his corner-kick delivery that La Albiceleste opened the scoring in the first half through Lisandro Martinez.
The Inter Miami man showed his rust in the penalty shootout. His disappointing Panenka attempt failed to find the net, only bouncing on top of the crossbar and out to safety.
Speaking at a press conference after the game, Lionel Scaloni leapt to the defence of his captain, praising him for featuring so soon after his injury.
"He [Messi] played like the rest of the team, we are a team. This is a team, if the team played well, he played well. We have never separated the individual from the collective."
"Leo had a good game, in the end, they also planned a game or system where when we had the ball, two defenders came to attack, so, this is a chess game. He has had seven days away, we didn't notice the inactivity mentioned in the question."
Argentina did well to avoid a major upset against Ecuador, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez being a big reason for that. The world champions will now face one of Venezuela or Canada in the semi-finals on July 10 as they seek to retain the title they won in Brazil three years ago.
Lionel Messi saved by Emiliano Martinez masterclass as Argentina get through Ecuador test
Lionel Messi and Argentina had the heroics of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank as they secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America. The Aston Villa man saved two penalties in the shootout to help his side secure a 4-2 win.
Martinez had not conceded a single goal in the tournament before the knockout stages and had told journalists during the group stage that his side would win six games in the USA. He single-handedly kept the promise by making two saves during the penalty shootout to help La Albiceleste to victory.
Having seen Lionel Messi miss the first penalty of the shootout, Martinez saved the first two Ecuadorian penalties, setting the tone for his teammates to reclaim control of the match. Benfica veteran Nicolas Otamendi stepped up to score the winning penalty and seal their semi-final ticket.
Emiliano Martinez was praised by Rodrigo De Paul and Messi, among others, following the game. He has now won all four penalty shootouts he has featured in for La Albiceleste in his career, conceding only nine of 18 attempts.