Superstar Lionel Messi is expected to not start in the match between Argentina and Ecuador in the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024.
Argentina have shown their superior strength in Group A of Copa America with a perfect record after 3 matches, thereby confidently advancing to the quarter-finals. However, La Albiceleste fans are still extremely worried about the match in the last 8. The reason is that captain Lionel Messi, Argentina’s number one hope, is still suspected of being injured and cannot play in the match against Ecuador.
Despite Messi’s return to training in the most recent training session, journalist Leo Paradizo, who always follows information about the Argentina national team, announced that El Pulga will definitely be on the bench in the quarter-finals.
Previously, in the match against Chile in the second round, Messi was said to have suffered a minor injury when he collided with an opponent , causing the 37-year-old superstar to relapse from t he injury he suffered during his time playing for Inter Miami.
If he cannot start in the match against Ecuador, the Argentina team will suffer a great loss because Messi has always been an irreplaceable factor in the squad that coach Lionel Scaloni has built during his successful reign. Besides, the owner of 8 Golden Ball titles is also a solid spiritual support for his teammates to shine and bring about beneficial results.
Messi has made two appearances at the 2024 Copa America so far, and although he has yet to score a goal, his contribution to La Albiceleste’s play cannot be denied, as the ball always finds its way through his feet before putting his teammates in the easiest position. In addition, the Inter Miami star also provided an assist for Lautaro Martinez to score on the opening day of the tournament, thereby showing his irreplaceable position in the Argentina squad.
The match between Argentina and Ecuador in the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024 will take place at 8:00 a.m. on July 5.
