For a moment it looked like Ecuador took the game away from Argentina. As if Ecuador’s Kevin Rodriguez’s late equalizer was not enough, Argentina saw Lionel Messi miss their first penalty kick in the decisive shootout. However, the tide turned and Argentina eventually made it to the Copa America semi-final. Even though it was quite unusual for Messi to try a cheeky Panenka shot from the spot, he is now shocked and angry that he failed to find the net. Per Messi, it was a well-thought-out decision to go for the unorthodox penalty kick.
Lionel Messi lifted the lid on his failed Panenka kick in a post-game interview. “I was very angry because I was convinced to take it that way if the opportunity arose. I had talked with Dibu and Rulli in advance,” said Messi, referring to the two Argentina goalies- Emiliano Martinez and Geronimo Rulli. Adding to Messi’s shock, he nearly scored with his cheeky shot, as it hit the crossbar and then went out of goal. Speaking of Panenka shots that hit a crossbar, one cannot forget Zinedine Zidane’s 2006 World Cup Final goal that came off the crossbar.
Leo Messi on his penalty: “I was very angry because I was convinced to take it that way if the opportunity arose. I had talked with Dibu and Rulli in advance.” pic.twitter.com/8TB0VGjfFN
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 5, 2024
Lionel Messi would have thought he could share the same fate as Zidane. Moreover, it’s not the first Messi has attempted Panenka kicks, and has found success in previous games. Anyhow, Martinez, who okayed La Pulga’s decision to go for a Panenka, immediately redeemed the captain, by saving Ecuador’s back-to-back goals.
(More to follow…)