Defending Champion Argentina Advances to Copa America Semifinals

Argentina Beats Ecuador on Penalty Kicks

Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals after a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ecuador.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Argentina prevailed in the shootout.

Lionel Messi scored the winning penalty, sending Argentina through to the semifinals.

Argentina will face Brazil in the semifinals on Tuesday.

This is the second consecutive Copa America final for Argentina, after losing to Chile on penalties in the 2016 final.

Messi is hoping to lead Argentina to its first major international title since the 1993 Copa America.

The Copa America is the most prestigious international soccer tournament in South America.