Argentina made it to the Copa America semi-finals, and Emi Martinez stopped two penalties to keep Lionel Messi from blushing.

Brazil hasn’t played their best in the Copa America yet. Sometimes La Albiceleste has been careless, a shadow of the team that won the World Cup. But on Friday, another lacklustre game was enough for the defending champions to beat Ecuador 4–2 on penalties after the game ended in a 1–1 tie. This secured their spot in the semifinals.

Lionel Messi had a tough game. He didn’t make a mark and missed another penalty kick. Still, the players around him made the difference. Emi Martinez saved two shots to send Argentina through.

La Albiceleste scored first after 35 minutes, with Lisandro Martinez putting the ball in at the far post after a well-executed corner move. Before halftime, Enzo Fernandez had a chance to make it two, but his shot went just wide.

They looked like they would have won in regular time, but Kevin Rodriguez’s glancing header in extra time of the second half sent the game to.

Messi missed Argentina’s first chance, but Martinez stood strong, and the rest of the Albiceleste scored to make it to their fifth straight semifinal.

Defence and custodian

10/10 for Emi Martinez:

In the first half, they made some smart stops. Again, he did a great job in the shootout by saving two penalties.

7/10 for Nahuel Molina:

Wins most of the tackles he makes, gets a few important balls back, and keeps the dangerous Kendry Paez quiet.

8/10 for Lisandro Martinez:

Couldn’t miss from close range to open the scoring. It was his first goal for his country. Strong on defence as well.

7/10 for Christian Romero:

He passed the ball well, won his duels, and got a few crucial free kicks late in the game to end it.

6/10 for Nico Tagliafico:

All but one of his passes were completed. The Ecuadorian danger mostly came from the other side.

Midfield

This is Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):

Did a good job of playing defence in a spot he wasn’t used to playing on the right side. Put the ball in the wrong place and got a penalty.

8/10 for Alexis Mac Allister:

In the middle of the park, everything is neat and stylish. helped set up his team’s first goal. So simple, but so powerful.

8/10 for Enzo Fernandez:

Three good chances were missed in the first half. Loss of control and bad defence as well. Not his best game.

Nico Gonzalez rate: 6/10

Did a shift on the left and ate grass. It wasn’t very insulting, but it didn’t matter.

Attack

Leo Messi (6/10):

A little loose at the start because they missed the last game because of a leg injury. Still had some great moments with smart passes. He hasn’t hit his best yet in the event.

5/10 for Lautaro Martinez:

ate trash in the beginning. After the break, they didn’t have many more chances. After an hour of frustration, I subbed.