Argentina reaches Copa America semifinals, beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalty kicksbr br Lionel Messi steps up to take Argentina's first penalty kick in a Copa America shootout against Ecuador, just like he did in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France. Only this time, Messi hit the crossbar, jeopardizing a trip to the semifinals. “I was pretty upset," he said, “but at the same time I was secure.