Sports

July 3, 2024

Messi doubtful ahead of Argentina Copa quarter-final clash with Ecuador

Messi doubtful ahead of Argentina Copa quarter-final clash with Ecuador

Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi looks on from the bench ahead of the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament group A football match between Argentina and Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on June 29, 2024. (Photo by Chris ARJOON / AFP)

Lionel Messi’s fitness remains in doubt ahead of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador with coach Lionel Scaloni saying he will wait before deciding on his team.

Messi missed Argentina’s final group stage match on Saturday, a 2-0 win over Peru, after complaining of a sore right hamstring.

Argentina will hold a training session later on Wednesday and Scaloni said he would make any decision afterwards.

“We’ll wait a couple of hours and make the decision. It is always better to have one more day,” he told a press conference.

“Yesterday we had good feelings and we’ll take this day to define the team based on the response we get today,” he added.

Scaloni said he would consult with Messi about 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,” he said.

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