VIDEO: Lionel Messi shockingly misses with Panenka penalty in shootout against Ecuador as Emi Martinez saves Argentina at Copa America

Lionel Messi hit the bar with a failed spot-kick attempt in Argentina's Copa America quarter-final shootout win against Ecuador Thursday.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi endured a rare big-moment slip-up in Argentina's Copa America quarter-final clash with Ecuador, pinging a penalty off the bar in La Albiceleste's shootout win. Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez consoled the Inter Miami forward immediately after, but it was a shocking start to the shootout.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
His blunder ultimately mattered little as Emi Martinez provided yet another memorable shootout performance, stopping two Ecuador attempts, while Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Otamendi all converted for Argentina in a 4-2 shootout win.
Still, it's a haunting moment for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. One can't help but think of his missed attempt in the 2016 Copa America final - a moment that saw him briefly retire from the national team.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA?
La Albiceleste have secured a spot in a fifth-straight Copa America semi-final. They will face the winner of the Venezuela vs Canada tie Tuesday evening.

WHAT HAPPENED?