Messi was absent from Argentina’s final group match against Peru because of a thigh injury. In recent days, the Inter Miami striker has been practicing with his teammates in Houston to prepare for the quarterfinal match against Ecuador at 8:00 a.m. on July 5.
However, according to records, superstar number 10 has not fully recovered from his injury. He still has to practice some exercises according to his own lesson plan. According to journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, Coach Scaloni is unlikely to risk using Messi right from the start in the match against Ecuador. Instead, he only sent this player onto the field in urgent cases.
Similarly, ESPN journalist Leo Paradizo revealed: “Messi is unlikely to reach 100% fitness before the match with Ecuador. The Argentina team’s coaching staff is very cautious and does not want to bet on this player’s condition. Only when all the best conditions are met will Messi be able to officially play.”
Argentina aims to win the Copa America championship. Therefore, they want to keep El Pulga healthy before the final match. Falling into a group that is not too difficult (avoiding Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia) gives La Albiceleste a great chance of reaching the final and successfully defending the championship of this tournament.
In fact, Argentina can still play well without Messi’s services in the match against Peru. Striker Lautaro Martinez is having a successful Copa America, scoring 4 goals (out of Argentina’s 5 goals), accounting for 80% of the team’s goals.
Besides, young factors like Julian Alvarez, Alejandro Garnacho or even veteran Di Maria can also be good choices in Argentina’s attack.
