Lionel Messi’s Copa America campaign almost ended horribly on Thursday night after the Argentina captain missed a penalty kick against Ecuador.
After their round of 16 clash had finished 1-1 inside 90 minutes, a shootout was needed to separate the sides.
That shootout began with Messi missing the target with a Panenka-style spot-kick.
Luckily for Messi, Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez then came to his rescue by saving Ecuador’s first two penalties and Argentina eventually prevailed 4-2 to set up a quarter-final clash with Canada on Tuesday.
Messi’s team-mates were seen consoling him after his miss. However, it was not only Argentina players who were quick to put their arm around the 37-year-old.
Lionel Messi (left) took a penalty during Thursday’s shootout between Argentina and Ecuador
Messi failed to hit the target as his attempted Panenka penalty landed on the roof of the net
Footage has since emerged of Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez going up to Messi after his penalty.
A video – which has gone viral via social media – showed Dominguez placing both of his hands on Messi’s shoulders before patting – and then kissing – the Inter Miami star on his head.
Messi appeared to appreciate this classy gesture as he responded by tapping the keeper’s right hip.
Responding to the video on X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote: ‘The goalkeeper just had the greatest moment of his life.’
A similar comment read: ‘That goalkeeper achieved his lifelong ambition of touching and embracing the Best. See the way he was touching the Best after the penalty miss?’
Another fan described the interaction between Dominguez and Messi as a ‘lovely moment’.
Messi was consoled following his missed penalty by Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez
Keeper Dominguez put his arm around Messi before kissing the Argentina captain’s head
Messi has made three 90-minute appearances at this summer’s Copa America so far.
Prior to the 1-1 draw with Ecuador, Messi started in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada and their 1-0 victory against Chile.
He has yet to score his first goal of the tournament but he did provide an assist for Lautaro Martínez against Canada.
