'Messi don't care anymore': Fans react as he MISSES an attempted Panenka

Fans have made their views heard on social media after Lionel Messi missed a penalty for Argentina in their shootout win over Ecuador on Friday.

The defending Copa America champions took an early lead at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas as Lisandro Martinez netted his fourth goal of the tournament to fire them into the lead.

Despite managing to get in front Argentina frequently found themselves forced onto the back foot throughout the game .

It appeared Ecuador's hunt for an equaliser would be in vain before John Yeboah's cross was deflected in during injury time to send the game straight to penalties.

Still without a goal in the tournament, Messi stepped up first for Argentina as they looked to seize the initiative in the shootout. The 37-year-old attempted to catch the Ecuadorian goalkeeper out with a Panenka, chipping his strike down the middle of the goal.

Ultimately though Messi put too much power on his chip, sending the ball careering off the crossbar before landing on the roof of the net.

Following the shootout one fan wrote: 'Messi doesn’t care anymore'

Another added: 'Bro you are not Zidane.'

Other fans compared Messi to his long-time contemporary Cristiano Ronaldo after the legendary forward missed a penalty in extra-time of Portugal's victory over Slovenia on Monday.

One wrote: 'Lionel Messi copies his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and misses a penalty for Argentina.'

Another joked: 'Messi missed his penalty intentionally just to show Ronaldo that he’s with him'

A third fan added: 'Zero Goals for Messi in Copa America and he missed a penalty in the shootout, but no journalist will ever say he's holding Argentina back. God forbid if it was Cristiano Ronaldo.'

A fourth wrote: 'Dude what’s going on? Two of the greatest players ever missing pens in crucial games? End times are here people.'

Following Messi's miss, Angel Mena had the opportunity to put Ecuador in front in the shootout but he was denied by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez who then proceeded to deny Alan Minda from the spot.

Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Otamendi all netted from twelve yards for La Albiceleste as they triumphed 4-2 on penalties.

Messi and co will face the winners of tomorrow's clash between Canada and Venezuela for a spot in the final next Monday.