Lionel Messi missed his penalty in the shootout at Copa America.

Alexander Dominguez’s immediate reaction to Lionel Messi’s penalty miss has gone viral, leaving fans stunned.

Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on penalties to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa America.

Messi, however, completely messed up his Panenka penalty as his blushes were spared by Emiliano Martinez, who saved two Ecuador penalties in the shootout.

 

Despite Ecuador taking an early lead in the shootout, Dominguez refused to celebrate Messi’s penalty miss.

After his effort hit the bar, the keeper got back to his feet, didn’t celebrate before consoling the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in an incredible moment that left fans shocked on social media.

One X user wrote: “Can we talk about the Ecuador goalie, hardly celebrated Messi penalty miss and went straight to him to console him. What a guy!!”

 

A second tweeted: “Big respect he didn’t celebrate against Messi.”

A third added: “This was so, so class man. Filled me with joy.”

A fourth said: “He knows the pressure Messi carries.”

A fifth commented: “Respect him for that.”

 

 

Alexander Dominguez consoles Lionel Messi following his penalty miss. Image: Getty
Messi has yet to score at this summer’s Copa America, but he’ll have the chance to open his goal account when Argentina resume their campaign on Wednesday. 

They await the winner of Venezuela vs. Canada for a spot in the final.

After the victory against Ecuador, Messi revealed that Martinez joked about the quarter-final clash going to penalties.

“Before the match, he was joking about the possibility of penalties and said he was going to save them. When we reach this stage, we have an advantage,” he said.

 

“[After the game against Chile] I was suffering from pain and fear of injury, but in the last training I felt better and felt that I could participate, I told Scaloni that I was fine and I was no longer feeling any muscle discomfort.

“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.”