Argentina beat Ecuador on penalties to advance into the Copa America semifinals

Argentina‘s No.10 is a magnet for cameras and microphones after every Copa America match and in Houston, following Argentina‘s dramatic passage to the semifinals, Leo Messi once again caused a frenzy among the accredited media.Messi never hides; he always stops to talk, even after missing a penalty, and does so in several rounds to ensure all the press can ask him questions in the mixed zone.

Lionel Messi admits the injury he suffered against Chile and gives updateNacho Garcia

“I was convinced to take it like that (Panenka style). I had talked about it with Dibu, with Rulli,” Messi said.

“I had been shooting several normal penalties in a row, and the Ecuadorian goalkeeper indeed dived across. I wanted to chip it, but it went a bit off. It made me angry.”

Faith in ‘Dibu’ Martinez

“He is always there in these moments. He steps up. He had a lot of faith in the penalties, even joking with us before the match to stay calm if it went to penalties. He always has it in mind,” Messi continued.

Messi‘s willingness to engage with the media, regardless of the match outcome, underscores his leadership and commitment to the team, even in moments of personal frustration.

His comments highlight the confidence and camaraderie within the Argentine squad, especially the pivotal role of goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez in high-pressure situations.