Argentina reaches Copa América semifinals, beats Ecuador 4-2 on penalty kicks after 1-1 draw

Argentina is two wins away from defending its Copa América title and making history.

The reigning South American and World Cup champions beat Ecuador in a penalty shootout in Thursday’s 2024 Copa América quarterfinal in Houston, sending Lionel Messi & Co. to next week’s semi against the winner of Friday’s contest between Canada and Venezuela following a 1-1 tie.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was the hero for La Albiceleste, making two…