Argentina defeated Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals, to step onto the semis on Sunday, 4th July. Both the teams fought incredibly, making various chances to score goals, but in the end, Argentina won the match by the score of 3-0, at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico.
The performance showed by the teams
The match kicked off with both the teams giving their best in the knockout stage. Argentina created several chances at the starting, but couldn’t score the goal. Messi had a great chance of getting the first goal of the match, and the ball went past the goalkeeper, but unfortunately, it hit the bar and got deflected.
Ecuador was also efficient in taking shots, but the Argentine goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez saved the ball multiple times and also did the Argentine defense line.
The Goals Scored
The first goal of the match, came from the shoes of Rodrigo De Paul, in the 40th minute, with the brilliant assist of Messi. Argentina ended the first half with a 1-0 lead. The second half of the match saw no goals till the 83rd minute. On the 84th, again with a magnificent assist of Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored the second goal of the match, sealing the victory for Argentina.
On the additional time, Piero Hincapie of Ecuador saw the red card from the referee, who was trying to stop Di Maria, running to score a goal, but he fouled. The Argentine captain, Messi, didn’t miss the chance of a free-kick, just in front of the penalty box, and netted the ball magnificently on the 93rd minute, making it 3-0.
Messi’s Performance so far
Messi has been incredible in Copa America so far. He has scored 4 goals and 4 assists in his 5 appearances this season. Such a performance by a 34-year-old footballer is certainly beyond excellent. He is expected to show his class in the upcoming matches of the tournament as well, and Messi will be looking forward to making his team the champions of the contest.
Upcoming fixtures of Argentina
Argentina will next lock horns against Colombia in the semi-final, at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia. Colombia defeated Uruguay earlier this day, in the penalty shootout by a score of 4-2, to progress to the semis.
Read More: Brazil beats Chile to go to the Semi-finals at the Copa America
