da aviator aposta： Lionel Messi cannot use injury as an excuse for his Panenka penalty miss, as the Argentina superstar “felt well” on his return to Copa America action.

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Recovered from a muscle complaintPlayed 90 minutes against EcuadorClipped spot-kick against crossbarWHAT HAPPENED?

Having nursed his way back from a muscle problem, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was thrust straight back into the fold as the Albiceleste took in a quarter-final clash with Ecuador. Messi played the full 90 minutes of that contest, which ended up having to be settled in a shootout.

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Messi stepped up first, but clipped his effort onto the crossbar. Asked afterwards if the Inter Miami forward was still feeling the effects of an untimely injury, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said: “No. Leo had a good game, in the end, they also planned a game or system where when we had the ball, two defenders came to attack, so, this is a chess game. He has had seven days away, we didn't notice the inactivity mentioned in the question.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Scaloni added when delivering a fitness update on Messi, who has five days to prepare for the Copa America semi-finals: “He finished well, the last time we asked him with five or six minutes left in the game he said he felt well.”

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Messi was bailed out against Ecuador by Emiliano Martinez, with the enigmatic goalkeeper producing more penalty shootout heroics as he saved two spot-kicks. Argentina prevailed 4-2 as a result and are now waiting to discover whether they will face Canada or Venezuela in the last four.