Lionel Messi could return to the starting line-up for Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador tonight.
Argentine news outlet TYCSports reported Thursday morning that Messi is expected to start in the team’s match against Ecuador at Houston’s NRG Stadium following his performance in training on Wednesday.
“He finished training very well yesterday and the captain feels good to be in the starting line-up,” TYC Sports source Gaston Edur said ahead of the match.
Messi has been recovering for the past nine days from a right groin/adductor injury. He sustained the injury in a 1-0 win over Chile on June 25 and missed last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru in Miami.
Argentina had hoped that Messi would be healthy enough to return for the quarterfinals, and with his injury showing signs of improving during his short recovery period, the question was whether he would come off the bench or start against Ecuador.
Here’s what you need to know as USA TODAY Sports brings you live updates from Thursday night’s match between Argentina and Ecuador.
What time does the Copa America match between Argentina and Ecuador start?
The match between Argentina and Ecuador kicks off at 9pm ET (7pm GALT and 8pm ECT in Ecuador, 10pm ART in Argentina).
How can I watch Argentina vs Ecuador on TV or live stream?
Thursday’s match between Argentina and Ecuador will be broadcast on FOX (English) and Univision/TUDN (Spanish).
FOX Sports will be broadcasting the Copa America matches live. Matches can also be streamed on Fubo, and Vix will offer a streaming option for the Spanish language broadcast.
How much will Messi play against Ecuador?
Messi’s playing time may be limited after his return from injury – it would be foolhardy to force him to play the full 90 minutes unless he wants to play the whole game – but how much will he play?
Messi’s possible inclusion in the starting line-up suggests he could be forced out early, with one report suggesting he may only play 45 minutes of the first half against Ecuador.
Argentina and Ecuador to meet again in Copa America quarterfinals
Argentina defeated Ecuador 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the Copa America 2021 to advance to the final. Messi scored a free kick and provided two assists to help the team win the match. The goal and second assist came in the 84th minute.Number minutes.
What did the Argentina coach say about Messi?
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he would speak with Messi before the club’s training session on Wednesday and decide how much Messi will play against Ecuador.
“I think it’s fair to wait until the last moment,” Scaloni said, referring to Messi training again on Wednesday. “I think it’s fair for him to take his time and train as much as he can. So I’ll talk to him after training, no, before training, and then I’ll make a decision.”
How did Messi recover from his injury?
Messi took part in his second full training session with his Argentina teammates in Houston on Wednesday night, a day after his first training session, and was a limited participant in Monday’s training session. Since his injury, Messi has only worked with trainers before returning to training.
How did Messi perform in the Copa America?
Messi helped Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada in the opening match of the Copa America but has yet to score in either match.
Who will the winner of Argentina vs. Ecuador face in the Copa America semi-finals?
The winner of Argentina vs. Ecuador will advance to face the winner of Friday’s match between Venezuela and Canada in the semifinals, to be played on July 9 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When are the other Copa America quarterfinal matches?
The Copa America quarterfinals will see Argentina play Ecuador on Thursday, followed by another match on Friday and concluding with two matches on Saturday.
- Venezuela and Canada will face off at 9pm ET on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Colombia and Panama will meet at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday at 6pm ET.
- Uruguay and Brazil will face off at 9 p.m. Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
All games will be broadcast on FS1 in English and Univision/TUDN in Spanish.
Odds to win the 2024 Copa America
According to BetMGM soccer odds, Argentina is the favorite to win the Copa America in 2024. Want to place a bet? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promotions in 2024. Here are the odds as of Thursday:
- Argentina (+125)
- Brazil (+333)
- Colombia (+550)
- Uruguay (+550)
- Venezuela (+2500)
- Ecuador (+3300)
- Canada (+4000)
- Panama (+10000)
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