According to the American and Argentine press, Messi has not yet fully recovered from his injury and is unlikely to take part in the Copa America quarter-final match against Ecuador at 8:00 a.m. on July 5.

Messi was absent from Argentina’s final group game against Peru due to a thigh injury. In recent days, the Inter Miami forward has been practicing with his teammates in Houston in preparation for the quarter-final match against Ecuador at 08:00 on July 5 (Vietnam time).

However, according to records, the superstar number 10 has not fully recovered from his injury. He still has to practice some exercises according to his own lesson plan. According to journalist Gastón Edul of TyC Sports, coach Scaloni is unlikely to risk using Messi from the start of the match against Ecuador. Instead, he only sent this player on the field in urgent cases.

Similarly, ESPN journalist Leo Paradizo revealed: “It is unlikely that Messi will be 100% fit before the match against Ecuador. The Argentine national team’s coaching staff is very cautious and does not want to bet on the player’s condition. Only when the best conditions are met will Messi be able to play officially.”

Argentina is aiming to win the Copa America championship. That’s why they want to keep El Pulga healthy before the final match. Falling into a group that isn’t too difficult (avoiding Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia) gives the Albiceleste a great chance of reaching the final and successfully defending the championship of this tournament.

In fact, Argentina can still play well without Messi’s services in the match against Peru. Striker Lautaro Martinez is experiencing great success during the Copa America, scoring 4 goals (out of Argentina’s 5), which accounts for 90% of the team’s goals.

In addition, young players such as Julian Alvarez, Alejandro Garnacho or even the veteran Di Maria can also be good options in Argentina’s attack.