Lionel Messi, a doubt for Copa America quarterfinal clash with Uruguay

Lionel Messi’s fitness for Argentina’s Copa América quarterfinal matchup against Ecuador on Thursday is uncertain, according to manager Lionel Scaloni.

The World Cup-winning coach claimed that following the evening practice, in which Messi participated, the starting lineup will be decided.

“After a few hours of training, we will make a decision. We’ll make a decision today, but one more day is usually preferable. Yesterday, we felt wonderful. Before practice, he addressed a press conference.

Messi’s right leg injury from Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile prevented him from playing in the team’s final group stage encounter, which Argentina won 2-0 over Peru on June 29. He was listed as “day to day” until he started training again earlier this week.

Scaloni anticipates speaking with Messi one-on-one following their most recent practice and prior to the game in order to better grasp his physical condition.
“I haven’t spoken with him about the situation, I will talk to him today given it’s match day -1,” Scaloni stated. “I felt it was appropriate that he trains as much as possible and took his time. We’ll decide when we’ve spoken. We don’t know if he will play because I haven’t spoken to him about it.