The defending champions' 4-2 win on penalties was the most-watched Copa America quarter-final not featuring the United States in the history of the tournament on U.S. English-language TV.

"I told the lads before the shootout that I wasn't ready to go home, this team deserves to go all the way to the final," the goalkeeper told Argentine television after the team had celebrated on the field.

Lionel Messi missed the opening penalty, chipping against the bar, but Argentina recovered to win the shoot-out 4-2 and progress into the semis.

The Argentines, defending Copa champions and title favourites, enjoyed wins over Canada, Chile and Peru in the group stage where the solidity of Lionel Scaloni's side was evident throughout.

Messi had not trained since sustaining a groin/thigh injury during his side's 1-0 win against Chile on June 25. He sat out Argentina's 2-0 victory over Peru on Saturday.