COPA AMÉRICA 2024

Will Lionel Messi play against Ecuador today in Copa América?

Argentina go into the quarter-finals of the Copa América against Ecuador with the objective of defending their title as champions.

Nathan Ray SeebeckUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Champions of continent and planet, Argentina, are in charge of opening the quarter-final round of the Copa América. They will look to get past their Ecuadorian opponents (9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT) and continue on their way to the final with the defence of the trophy and the quest for the coveted bicampeonato title on the line.

The squad coached by Lionel Scaloni closed out their preparation in Houston for tonight’s match against Ecuador with good news, as the squad have recovered their key players to face La Tri.

Is Messi playing? Injury update

Although there were some doubts about the team and, above all, about the physical condition of captain Lionel Messi, who, as a precaution due to muscular problems, missed the match against Peru at the end of the group stage.

One of the changes that Lionel Scaloni is planning for the game against Ecuador is a change in the forward line, with the leading scorer of this Copa América, Lautaro Martínez, set to be in charge of the goals in this quarter-final duel, leaving Julián Álvarez in a secondary role and ready to come on if required.

Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez have built up a special relationship together on the pitch.LENIN NOLLYEFE

As already mentioned, good news appeared in the Albiceleste squad with the recovery of Messi, who has been able to train without major complications and, according to some reports, is ready to start in the quarterfinal match against Ecuador tonight at NRG Stadium.

According to TyC Sports, Messi will indeed be part of the starting lineup for Argentina, having overcome the issue that saw Argentina fans biting their nails all week in anticipation of this news. The game between Argentina and Ecuador will be played on Thursday July 4, with kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.