Argentina is saved by Emi Martinez in a Copa America shootout after Lionel Messi misses a penalty.

Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals on Thursday, defeating Ecuador 4-2 on penalties after regulation time ended in a 1-1 draw. Goalie Emi Martinez made two saves in the shootout.

With no additional time during the Copa America aside from the championship game, Lisandro Martinez's opening goal for Argentina was nullified by Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time, sending the game straight to penalties.

Argentina's first attempt in the shootout, a crossbar from Lionel Messi, was prevented by Martinez from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, sending the reigning champions into a semifinal matchup against either Venezuela or Canada.

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni stated, "The team has blind confidence in its goalkeeper and that is fundamental" while discussing penalties. "Our goalie came through big, especially considering the implications of Leo's miss for the squad.

"I don't think enjoying a victory like this is fun. We are thrilled, of course, but this victory wasn't enjoyable for me."

Despite being doubtful for the game because of an injury, Messi began it. The Argentina captain surpassed the record for most minutes played in the history of the tournament after missing their final group match against Peru because of a hamstring problem.

Ecuador created the first opportunity when Jeremy Sarmiento got room to shoot from a tight angle and forced Martinez into a stop, despite Argentina controlling possession for the majority of the game.

However, in the 35th minute, when Argentina's supporters began to speak up, the squad took the lead when Martinez, a defender, knocked in his first goal for his country, after Alexis Mac Allister's headed flick-on reached him at the far post.