Argentina reveals Messi will be fit for quarter-finals against Ecuador

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi did not participate in Argentina’s final game against Peru after sustaining an adductor injury against Chile earlier last week. The veteran forward missed out on his side’s 2-0 win over Peru in their final group game of the Copa America 2024 campaign.

Before the win against Peru, the quarter-final spot was already secured for Argentina, so it was a wise decision to rest the iconic forward in the final group fixture. Lionel Messi will now have nine days to recover to lead his nation in its Copa America quarterfinal match against Ecuador on July 4.

Has Lionel Messi made progress in his recovery?

The Inter Miami star felt discomfort in his adductor and was kept out of the final game against Peru on Saturday night. Even Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was suspended for the tie due to game delays in their last match.

Assistant coach Walter Samuel carried out the media duties and revealed Messi has made progress in his recovery and will be available for the quarter-final clash against Ecuador.

“He was in the locker room, we noticed him better,” Samuel told reporters. “The situation is improving but it’s a few days and the situation is premature to talk about. We’ll talk about it on a day-to-day basis with him, and talk to the doctors.”

Even Messi’s long-time national teammate Angel Di Maria is hopeful of the veteran’s return for Thursday’s quarter-final in NRG Stadium.

“Leo is fine, he is recovering,” Di Maria said in an interview with TyC Sports. “When he’s not there we all have to do twice as much. We try to do what he does on the field. I think it’s a nice victory for him too.”

The 37-year-old superstar failed to find the back of the net in the first two games against Chile and Canada before missing out on the final group game through injury.

Also Read: Argentina vs Peru Highlights: the defending champion tops the group stage with a perfect nine point