The goal, scored in the 35th minute, looked like being the winner for the holders, especially after former Everton and West Ham forward Enner Valencia hit the post with his penalty on the hour mark.
But, after Licha had been substituted for Nicolas Otamendi on 78 minutes, Ecuador forced a penalty shootout in the closing moments, when substitute Kevin Rodriguez’s header looped over Emi Martinez and into the net.
There is no extra-time in this year’s competition, so spot-kicks decided the contest and, surprisingly, Messi struck the crossbar with his Panenka attempt when taking first.
