Lionel Messi’s corner kick sparked Argentina’s lead against Ecuador in their Copa América quarterfinal match, until a thrilling, game-tying goal in the final minutes tonight at Houston’s NRG Stadium. You can watch on FOX in English and Univision/TUDN in Spanish.
Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez scored in the 35th minute to give the reigning world champions an early lead in this one, and Messi’s left boot fueled it as both sides continue in the second half. Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez connected with a header in stoppage time during the 91st minute to tie it at 1.
Argentina hoped Messi would be healthy to return in the quarterfinal. It was just a matter if he would come off the bench as a substitute or start against Ecuador as his injury has trended positively during his brief recovery.
Messi has continued to improve from a right groin/adductor strain in the past nine days. He sustained the injury in a 1-0 win over Chile on June 25, causing him to miss last Saturday’s 2-0 win against Peru in Miami.
Here’s what you need to know as USA TODAY Sports provides live updates on the Argentina vs. Ecuador match Thursday night:
Argentina vs. Ecuador penalty shootout results
Lionel Messi and Ángel Mena missed in the first round.
Julian Alvarez scored for Argentina, but Alan Minda was denied in the second.
Argentina vs. Ecuador penalty shootout: Messi misses his shot
Lionel Messi walked up with the ball in his hand, lined up his first kick to set the tone. And he missed it.
Messi had a plan to chip it down the middle, but the ball hit the crossbar and went over the net.
Jordy Caicedo misses late shot: Argentina 1, Ecuador 1
Ecuador almost ended it, but Jordy Caicedo missed this chance.
We’re going to a penalty shootout to decide this match for a trip to the Copa America semifinals.
Ecuador shocks Argentina with late goal by Kevin Rodríguez: Argentina 1, Ecuador 1
This game isn’t over just yet, and penalty kicks could be on the horizon.
Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez connected with a header in the lower left corner in stoppage time to tie the match at 1.
This is a shocking turn of events for Argentina, just minutes away from a win and trip to the semifinals.
Messi misses right boot toward the net: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi took his first shot of the game, with his right foot instead of his left, but he kicked it right to Ecuador goalie Alexander Domínguez. Messi remains scoreless in Copa America play.
Lionel Messi sets Copa America minutes record: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi has set another record in his career: Most minutes played during Copa America. He set the record in the 66th minute, playing his 3,063rd minute all-time in the tournament.
Enner Valencia misses penalty kick: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Ecuador just missed a golden opportunity to tie this match with Enner Valencia missing a critical penalty kick off the left post.
Even with Argentine goalie Dibu Martinez guessing the wrong side of the net to defend, Argentina gets lucky.
It appears Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul collided into Ecuador’s Alan Franco on a corner kick to draw the penalty.
Lautaro Martinez takes a swing, misses wide: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lautaro Martinez, the leading goal scorer in Copa America, took a swing at a shot toward the net, but his kick was wide of the left post. Argentina hasn’t had many shots in this one, just the fourth coming in the 55th minute.
Messi takes hit at start of first half: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi appears OK, resetting his socks, and getting a hand up from a teammate as he endured a tackle from an Ecuador player in the 50th minute. However, Argentina’s Cristian Romero and Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo are being tended to on the pitch after a collision.
Messi starts in the second half: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lionel Messi, playing in his first game since a right groin/adductor injury, has started in the second half of the Ecuador match. It’s unclear how much Messi will play – if he’ll be an early exit as a substitute or play the distance. But he’s already left his mark in this contest.
Lisandro Martínez goal: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lionel Messi delivered the corner kick, Alexis Mac Allister headed it backward, and Lisandro Martínez put it into the back of the net for Argentina’s 1-0 lead vs. Ecuador.
Messi might not get the assist, but his corner put Argentina in position for the early lead in the 35th minute.
Just a play earlier, Enzo Fernandez could only smile after his strike hit the Ecuadorian defender in front of him in the 34th minute.
Enzo Fernández misses header: Argentina 0, Ecuador 0
Argentina’s first shot of the match comes in the 27th minute, with Enzo Fernandez squaring up for a header, which sailed wide right outside the post.
Ecuador’s defense has been stifling during the opening minutes, crowding the space where Argentina loves to work the most.
Messi has several touches, but hasn’t been able to make his mark just yet.
Ecuador’s Jeremy Sarmiento misses shot on goal: Argentina 0, Ecuador 0
Ecuador’s Jeremy Sarmiento didn’t get enough of a touch, but it was enough to challenge Argentina. Still, goalie Dibu Martinez shined brightly again with a save, just his seventh in Copa America after limited shots on goal in the club’s group-stage matches.
Ecuador gets an early chance toward net: Argentina 0, Ecuador 0
Argentine goalie Dibu Martinez made the stop, but their defense was tested during this push by Ecuador early.
Messi waves to family in the stands
Lionel Messi with a wave toward his family in the stands before tonight’s match.
Messi and his family arrive for Ecuador match
As Messi walked off the team bus, his family also entered NRG Stadium in Houston for tonight’s match.
Messi in Argentina’s starting lineup vs. Ecuador
ESPN Argentina with the early lineup, featuring Messi as a starter, before tonight’s game.
What time is Argentina vs. Ecuador Copa América match?
The Argentina and Ecuador match begins at 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. GALT and 8 p.m. ECT in Ecuador; 10 p.m. ART in Argentina).
How to watch Argentina vs. Ecuador on TV and live stream?
The Argentina vs. Ecuador match on Thursday will be broadcast by FOX (in English) and on Univision/TUDN (in Spanish).
FOX Sports will provide live streams for Copa América matches. Matches also can be streamed on Fubo. Vix will provide a streaming option for Spanish-language broadcasts.
Is Messi playing tonight vs. Ecuador?
Messi’s playing time, in his return from injury, could be limited. It would be rash to push him for a full 90-minute match unless he wanted to play the entire match. But how much will Messi play?
Argentine news outlet TYCSports reported Thursday morning that Messi is in line to start the Ecuador match at after his performance in Wednesday’s practice.
“He finished yesterday’s practice very well, and the captain feels good to start,” TYCSports insider Gaston Edul reported before the game.
Argentina and Ecuador meet again in Copa América quarterfinals
Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 in the quarterfinals en route to the final of Copa América 2021. Messi scored on a free kick and had two assists in the victory – his score and second assist coming after the 84th minute.
What did Argentina’s coach say about Messi?
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said Wednesday he would speak to Messi before the club’s practice to determine how much he will play in the Ecuador match.
“I think it’s fair to wait until the last moment,” Scaloni said, referring to Messi going through another practice Wednesday. “I think it’s fair that he should take is time and train as much as possible. So after the training, rather, before, I will talk to him and then we will make the decision.”
How has Messi progressed from injury?
Messi participated in his second full practice with his Argentine teammates in Houston on Wednesday night, one day after his first. He was a limited practice participant on Monday. Messi worked solely with a trainer since suffering the injury before his return to practice.
How has Messi performed during Copa América?
Messi had an assist in Argentina’s 2-0 win in their Copa América opener against Canada but is scoreless through two matches.
Who does Argentina/Ecuador winner face in Copa América semifinal?
The Argentina/Ecuador winner advances to a semifinal match against the winner of Friday’s Venezuela/Canada match. The semifinal will be played July 9 inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When are the other Copa América quarterfinal matches?
Along with the Argentina-Ecuador match Thursday, the Copa América quarterfinals continue with one match Friday and conclude with two matches Saturday.
- Venezuela and Canada will meet on Friday at 9 p.m. ET inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Colombia and Panama will play on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- Uruguay and Brazil meet on Saturday at 9 p.m. inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
All of the matches will be broadcast on FS1 in English, Univision/TUDN in Spanish.
Odds to win 2024 Copa America
Argentina is the favorite to win the 2024 Copa América, according to BetMGM soccer odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering 2024 sports betting promos. Here are the odds as of Thursday:
- Argentina (+125)
- Brazil (+333)
- Colombia (+550)
- Uruguay (+550)
- Venezuela (+2500)
- Ecuador (+3300)
- Canada (+4000)
- Panama (+10000)
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