ARGENTINA (4) 1-1 (2) ECUADOR | HIGHLIGHTS | COPA AMÉRICA USA 2024

Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to move into the semi-finals of the Copa América on Thursday after goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The match went to penalties after Lisandro Martinez's opener for Argentina was cancelled out by Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time. There is no extra time in Copa América knockout games apart from the final.

In the shootout, Lionel Messi clipped the crossbar with Argentina's first effort, but Martinez saved from Angel Mena and Alan Minda as the defending champions moved into a semifinal matchup against either Venezuela or Canada.

"In penalties, the team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "Even after Leo's miss and with all that means for the team, it's very important that our goalkeeper came up clutch.

"I think it's not enjoyable when you win in this way. Of course, we are happy, but I didn't enjoy this victory."

Messi started the game despite being an injury doubt after missing their final group match against Peru due to a hamstring issue, and the Argentina captain broke the record for most minutes played in the tournament's history.