Lionel Messi’s Copa America Status Uncertain Ahead of Quarterfinal Clash

Argentina finds itself in the quarterfinals of the Copa America tournament, but the journey has been turbulent without the presence of their star player Lionel Messi.

After featuring in the opening games against Canada and Chile, Messi sat out the clash against Peru due to a leg injury, leaving his availability for the upcoming quarterfinal against Ecuador in doubt.

Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina clinched the top spot in their group, largely thanks to Lautaro Martinez‘s impressive brace in the crucial fixture.

In the lead-up to the quarterfinal showdown, manager Lionel Scaloni has stated that Messi’s participation will be a game-time decision, as the team carefully manages his fitness to ensure his long-term availability.

If Messi is cleared to play, reports suggest that he may not start the match, with Scaloni potentially favoring Martinez and Julian Alvarez as an alternate attacking duo.

The highly anticipated quarterfinal between Argentina and Ecuador is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 4, at 9 p.m. ET at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Viewers can catch the game live on FOX in English, while Univision and TUDN will provide Spanish broadcast coverage of the exciting Copa America clash.

As the knockout stages intensify, the football world eagerly awaits to see if Messi will be fit to lead his national team against a resilient Ecuadorian side.