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Lionel Messi’s availability for Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador is giving his coach a major headache.
Lionel Messi's participation in Argentina's Copa America quarter-final clash against Ecuador is uncertain, according to head coach Lionel Scaloni.
The holders have already secured their place in the last eight, allowing Messi, the record appearance maker at the Copa America, to sit out Argentina's final Group A match against Peru.
His absence did not impact the team's performance, as Lautaro Martinez's double propelled Argentina to their third win of the tournament.
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However, ahead of Thursday's knockout match in Houston, Scaloni hinted that the 37-year-old star might miss out again.
"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 said 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."
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If Messi is unable to play, Scaloni is likely to rely on the tournament's leading scorer, Martinez, who has netted four goals despite starting only one match.
Regardless of Messi's fitness, Argentina, who defeated Ecuador 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly, are strong favourites to advance to the semi-finals. Opta's predictive model gives them a 68.4 per cent chance of victory.
Scaloni, however, is cautious about underestimating Ecuador. "Ecuador are a well-drilled side with good players and a good coach," he said.
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Argentina progressed to the knockout out stages of the Copa America following a 2-0 victory over Peru.
"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 have won their last eight matches, including friendlies, equalling the longest winning streak under Scaloni. A victory over Ecuador will set a new record for La Albiceleste since Scaloni's debut as coach in September 2018.
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