ETERNAL FIRE: Lisandro Martinez celebrates wildly as Man Utd star shines alongside Emiliano Martinez to rescue Messi with vital goal against Ecuador

Argentina opened the score in the tense contest, with Lisandro Martinez nodding in a headed pass from Alexis MacAllister in the first half.

But on the verge of full time, Kevin Rodriguez equalised for La Tri, forcing a penalty shootout.

In that shootout, Nicolas Otamendi scored the game-winning penalty, advancing La Albiceleste to the semifinal.

There, they will face the winner of Friday’s encounter between Venezuela and Canada, whom Argentina has previously defeated 2-0. Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain, will seek to add to his decorated trophy cabinet, and this triumph will get him one step closer.

Lionel Messi and Argentina have advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America.

A headed goal from Lisandro Martinez (25) was all that La Albiceleste needed.

Ecuador appeared to have the advantage over the tournament’s reigning champions after the first 20 minutes or so.

Argentina’s breakthrough came from a corner kick, where Enzo Fernandez’s shot was blocked and crossed the line.

Messi’s corner was touched on by Alexis MacAllister, who played it precisely behind the Liverpool midfielder into open space.

That space was quickly filled by an onrushing Lisandro Martinez, who cleanly headed the ball into the net for a 1-0 Argentina advantage.

Despite having less possession, Ecuador led Argentina by a little margin in predicted goals (0.50-0.49) at halftime.

Messi, Moises Caicedo, Christian Romero, and one other Argentina player were all knocked out within five minutes of the second half.

Following a lengthy delay, Argentina attempted to double their lead, but Lautaro Martinez’s effort went wide.

In the 60th minute, Ecuador received a ray of hope when Rodrigo De Paul knocked Alan Franco down in the box, prompting referee Andres Matonte to call a penalty.

Ecuador’s 34-year-old captain Enner Valencia glared down Argentina custodian Emi Martinez and was unable to withstand the Argentine mind tricks. His slow-rolling shot beat the custodian but bounced off the post.

On the cusp of full time, Kevin Rodriguez (11) kept Ecuador alive, requiring penalties.

Martinez turned to the audience and pumped his arms in victory, leaving Valencia shaking his head. The overwhelmingly pro-Argentina crowd saluted him with the shout ‘Dibu’.

At that time, the game’s momentum shifted almost entirely in favour of La Albiceleste, who had dominated possession for the opening 70 minutes.

Ecuador launched a counterattack after a Messi free kick, but despite two crosses, one of which fell to Valencia, they failed to register a single effort on goal.

As five minutes of extra time expired, it appeared that Argentina would hang on to their victory in front of hordes of spectators in Houston.

Following a clash of players, Ecuador took a quick free kick. In desperation, a cross was launched into Kevin Rodriguez, who laid his head on it.

In the last seconds, the ball went across Emi Martinez’s diving body and into the net to tie the game.

The match went straight to penalties, boosting everyone’s heart rate at Houston’s NRG Stadium.