Lionel Messi’s fitness remains a significant concern for Argentina as they prepare for their Copa America 2024 quarterfinal clash against Ecuador on Thursday. Coach Lionel Scaloni has adopted a cautious approach, indicating that he will finalize the team selection at the last moment. Messi missed Argentina’s final group-stage match against Peru due to a sore right hamstring.
What did the coach say about Lionel Messi’s fitness?
Scaloni addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of waiting until the last possible moment before making a decision. “We’ll wait a couple of hours and make the decision. It is always better to have one more day. Yesterday we had good feelings, and we’ll take this day to define the team based on the response we get today,” Scaloni stated in a recent press conference.
The team plans to hold a training session on Wednesday, with Scaloni intending to assess Messi’s condition afterward. Scaloni reiterated the importance of giving Messi additional time to recover. “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 added.
What happens if Lionel Messi doesn’t play?
If Messi is deemed unfit to start, Scaloni has the option of deploying Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez as a strike partnership. Martinez has been in impressive form, leading the tournament’s scoring charts with four goals from three games, including a brace against Peru. Alvarez, meanwhile, found the back of the net in Argentina’s opening match against Canada. This pairing could prove effective if Messi is unable to play, providing Argentina with a strong attacking threat.
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