Although it took longer than anticipated, Argentina made progress in a close match against Ecuador. 

Argentina took the lead in the tense contest when Lisandro Martinez headed a feed from Alexis Mac Allister to score the goal in the first half.

However, Kevin Rodriguez equalised for La Tri just before halftime, forcing a penalty shootout. 

Nicolas Otamendi scored the game-winning penalty in that shootout to send La Albiceleste to the semifinals.

The winner of Friday’s match between Venezuela and Canada, which Argentina has already defeated 2-0, will face them there. With this victory, Argentine captain Lionel Messi will go one step closer to his goal of adding more trophies to his ornate trophy case.

Ecuador appeared to be gaining ground on the tournament’s defending champions during the first twenty or so minutes.

After a corner, Enzo Fernandez’s attempt was stopped and crossed the goal line, giving Argentina the lead.

Alexis Mac Allister touched on the corner that Messi blasted in, neatly playing it directly behind the Liverpool midfielder into open space.

Lisandro Martinez quickly filled that space, heading the ball cleanly into the goal to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.

However, despite having less possession, Ecuador led Argentina by a narrow margin in anticipated goals (0.50-0.49) at the half.

Five minutes into the second half, Christian Romero, Moises Caicedo, Messi, and another Argentina player struck the deck. Bodies flew. 

Following a long silence, Argentina attempted to extend their lead, but Lautaro Martinez’s attempt was unsuccessful.

When Alan Franco was pushed down in the box by Rodrigo De Paul in the 60th minute, referee Andres Matonte signalled for a penalty, giving Ecuador a glimmer of hope.

Enner Valencia, the 34-year-old captain of Ecuador, faced off against Argentina goalie Emi Martinez but was unable to withstand the Argentine tactics. Though it clattered off the post, his slow-rolling shot sent the goalie the wrong way. 

Valencia was left shaking his head as Martinez turned to face the audience and gave a triumphant pump of his arms. The predominantly Argentinean audience saluted him with chants of “Dibu.”

The game’s momentum almost completely shifted at that moment in favour of La Albiceleste, who had outplayed their opponents for the opening 70 minutes.

Ecuador launched a cоunterattack after a Messi free kιck, but they were unable to muster a single effort on goal despite two crosses, one of which went to Valencia. 

Five minutes were added on, and it seemed inevitable that Argentina would cling on to preserve their victory in front of hordes of supporters in Houston.

Ecuador, however, retaliated. A clatter of players was followed by La Tri winning a short free kιck. Kevin Rodriguez was sent a cross in a state of desperation, and he laid his head on it. 

In the last seconds, the ball went over Emi Martinez’s diving body and into the net to equalise.

Everyone’s heart rates increased as soon as the game went to penalties at Houston’s NRG Stadium.