What Messi said about the tiebreaker shot miss
If Emiliano Martinez didn't become a wall like that, Lionel Messi might have been burning with regret. The Argentine captain missed the first shot in the tiebreaker in a 1-1 draw. In the middle of the post, "Panenka" hit the ball on the crossbar while taking a shot. The kind of shot that Messi misses the goal is not usually seen.
After the match, Messi talked about the missed shot in the tiebreaker. He said even after returning from injury. Messi was afraid of getting injured again in this quarter final match at NRG Stadium in Houston. However, before the semi-final, the legend told the news of the optimism of the Argentine fans.
Messi did not play against Peru after suffering an injury in the group stage match against Chile. However, he was from the beginning of the match against Ecuador in the quarter-finals today. He was also the source of Lisandro Martinez's goal in the 36th minute. However, during the rest of the match, the Argentinian captain could not play according to his standards. Messi had only 27 touches of the ball in the full ninety minutes, one more than goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Messi said that he had to be careful after returning from injury, "I am fine now." No discomfort. The mental fear of re-injury or discomfort was always present. But there is no problem with the muscles. The coach asked if he was ready to play. I said yes.'
Ecuador has not beaten a Latin American country in the Copa America since 2001. That team put the reigning champions to the test. According to Messi, the field also has a role in this case, "They are a good team." There are variations. Strong too. But the way we wanted to play, it could not be done because of the pitch. Playing on such a field is advantageous for the defensive team.
Ecuador conceded a goal in the first half but leveled late in added time. Then when the tiebreaker started, Messi missed the Panenka shot. Explaining the reason for such a shot, Messi said, "I am very upset with myself." I thought it would be good. I spoke to (the two goalkeepers) Dibu and Rui. This kick was not practiced, just talked about. I tried to hit the ball slowly, but it went high.
Messi missed a shot in the tiebreaker, but Emiliano Martinez blocked two consecutive Ecuadorian shots to seal Argentina's victory. As he did in 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup. While praising the 31-year-old Martinez, Messi said, "I knew that the day would stand at a time like this." Such moments are his favorite, which made him great. When he is under the goal bar, it becomes different.
