The Manchester United centre-back returned to Lionel Scaloni's starting XI in Houston, Texas, after being rested for Argentina's final Group A fixture against Peru, when they had already confirmed top spot.

Licha, who was winning his 21st cap, opened the scoring in the last-eight tie, ghosting in at the far post to head home, after Alexis Mac Allister had flicked on a corner from Lionel Messi.

Lisandro Martinez heads in from the corner and Argentina lead! 🇦🇷

That's a first international goal for the @ManUtd centre back 👏 pic.twitter.com/U0E5xzwsM0

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) July 5, 2024

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.

However, Angel Mena and Alan Minda failed to hit the target for El Tri, while the rest of Argentina's efforts were successful.

Julian Alvarez, Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Otamendi all converted from 12 yards, to set up a semi-final head-to-head with either Venezuela or Canada in New Jersey on Wednesday 10 July (01:00 BST).

Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute at the NRG Stadium but fellow Reds youngster Facundo Pellistri will hope to be involved when Uruguay take on Brazil in their quarter-final this Sunday.