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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina captain Lionel Messi is still questionable for Thursday’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Messi did not play in the final group match against Peru after injuring his right hamstring against Chile, while Scaloni also missed the game due to a one-match ban served by CONMEBOL.
“We will wait a few hours before deciding. It is always better to wait another day. We will decide based on the feedback we receive today,” Scaloni told a news conference after Messi trained with the squad.
“We’ll try to get him on the pitch and if he doesn’t we’ll try to find the best way for the team. I’m going to speak to him today and I think he should take the time to train as much as he can.”
Defending champions Argentina, seeking a record 16th Copa America title, will face a strong Ecuador side, who finished second in Group B and advanced to the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw with Mexico.
“Ecuador is a well-drilled team with good players and a good coach. They are one of the best teams at the Copa America. They have a real chance of challenging for the title,” said Scaloni.
The Argentine coach added that the continental competition has proven to be a top-level event with no team expected to win.
“Anyone can easily reach the final and play against the best players in the world. The level of play yesterday between Colombia and Brazil was very high. Uruguay also played well, which was not surprising,” he said.
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