There is no guarantee that Lionel Messi will be on the pitch for Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador on Thursday.
The legendary footballer did not play in Argentina’s final group stage match against Peru at the weekend, but coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters on Wednesday the club would “do our best to make sure he plays.” According to The Athletic.
The 37-year-old Messi has been bothered by thigh discomfort which saw him sit on the bench for Saturday’s game and he is a doubt for his ability to play against Ecuador.
“We will wait a little longer,” Scaloni said. “There are still training sessions and it is best to take more time to evaluate, but we have a good feeling and we will make a decision based on what we see today.”
“I haven’t spoken to Leo about his situation yet. I will speak to him today. It is only natural for him to take his time and train as much as he can. I will make a decision at that time. I can’t make a decision until tomorrow because I haven’t spoken to Leo about his situation.”
Messi had been on hold due to a thigh problem but took part in his first full training session on Monday.
If the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is available, it is unclear whether he will start or be on the bench for the quarterfinal match against Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The winner of this match will advance to the semifinals at MetLife Stadium.
Messi has been plagued by injuries during the MLS regular season, missing six games for Inter Miami with a muscle injury.
He failed to score a goal through two games in the Copa America, only providing an assist.
Argentina and Ecuador faced off in a pre-Copa friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago in early June.
Argentina has won against Ecuador in 110 of their last 16 Copa America matches, drawing the other five.
Ecuador has never won the Copa America tournament.
