Lionel Messi’s fitness remains a question mark ahead of Argentina’s crucial Copa America quarterfinal clash with Ecuador on Thursday. Coach Lionel Scaloni has indicated that he will wait until after Wednesday’s training session before making a final decision on his starting lineup. Messi missed Argentina’s final group stage match against Peru on Saturday, a 2-0 victory, after complaining of soreness in his right hamstring.
Scaloni addressed the media on Wednesday, stating that he would make a decision after observing Messi’s progress in training. “We’ll wait a couple of hours and make the decision. It is always better to have one more day,” he said. “Yesterday we had good feelings and we’ll take this day to define the team based on the response we get today.”
The coach also emphasized that he would consult directly with Messi to assess his readiness for the game. “We’ll try to get him in and then, if he’s not (ready), we’ll look for the best solution for the team. I’ll talk to him today. I think it’s fair that he takes his time and trains as much as possible.”
Messi’s availability for the quarterfinal is a major concern for Argentina, as he remains a key player for the national team. His presence on the field could significantly influence the outcome of the game against Ecuador.
