Lionel Messi in doubt to play Copa America quarter-final

Lionel Messi in doubt to play. Lionel Messi’s participation in Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador is shrouded in doubt, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.

Messi, the most capped player in Copa America history, missed Argentina’s final Group A match against Peru. Despite his absence, Lautaro Martinez’s brace ensured Argentina secured their third win of the tournament.

As the knockout clash with Ecuador in Houston looms, Scaloni has cast further uncertainty over Messi’s involvement.

“We will wait a few hours and make a decision. Another day is always better. We’ll decide on the basis of the response we get today,” Scaloni remarked on Wednesday.

“We’ll try to get him to play and if he doesn’t, we’ll try to find the best thing for the team.

“I’m going to talk to him today, I think it’s fair that he takes his time and trains as much as he can.”

If Messi is unable to play, Scaloni is expected to rely on Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals from just one start.

Even without Messi, Argentina are heavily favored to reach the semi-finals, having already defeated Ecuador 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly. Opta’s predictive model gives Argentina a 68.4% chance of victory.

Yet, Scaloni remains wary of Ecuador.

“Ecuador are a well-drilled side with good players and a good coach,” he said.

“They are one of the best teams in the Copa America. They have a real chance of challenging for the title.

“Anyone can easily reach the final and compete with the best in the world.

“Yesterday’s game between Colombia and Brazil was of a very high standard. Uruguay are also doing very well.”

Argentina’s current eight-match winning streak, including friendlies, matches their longest under Scaloni. A win over Ecuador would set a new record for La Albiceleste since Scaloni took charge in September 2018.