Journalist provides Lionel Messi fitness update ahead of Argentina's Copa America quarter-final clash against Ecuador

Journalist Gaston Edul has provided a Lionel Messi update ahead of Argentina's Copa America 2024 quarter-final against Ecuador. The match is set to take place at the NRG Stadium in Texas on Thursday, July 4.

Messi suffered a minor injury in La Albiceleste's 1-0 win over Chile in their second game of the tournament. With qualification to the quarter-finals confirmed, the forward remained on the bench in their final group game against Peru. As per Edul, it's still unclear if the 37-year-old will be fit enough to start against Ecuador.

The journalist reported on X:

"Leo Messi did part of the training at the same time and another part of kinesiology. He is recovering. They won't decide until Wednesday whether he starts or enters the second half, but he will be there to participate in the game."

Lionel Messi has failed to score at Copa America 2024 so far, missing two big chances in the first two games. However, he did provide an assist in their 2-0 win over Canada in the opening game.

Argentina are looking to defend the trophy they won in the 2021 edition after beating Brazil in the final in Brazil. They finished as toppers in Group A with a perfect record.

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Ecuador manager on facing Lionel Messi-led Argentina in Copa America 2024

Ecuador manager Felix Sanchez recently opened up about facing the Lionel Messi-led Argentina side in the Copa America 2024 quarter-final. He acknowledged that it would be a tough game against the world champions but asserted confidence in his side as well.

Sanchez said (via The Print):

“We know it is an unmatched opponent, and we know how tough it’s going to be, but our players are happy that they’ve moved to the next round, and we’ll see how that unfolds.

"It is yet another final for us, and we will try to compete against the world’s champion and the world’s best team … I believe that our team is going to be extremely motivated with a very high morale and trying to play a good match.

“I have full confidence in our players. I know that they are going to give their best as they’ve done in the three matches. We know how tough it is, but it is 11 against 11, and we’re going to do whatever we can to win it.”

Ecuador finished second in Group B with four points, five behind leaders Venezuela. They lost against Venezuela (2-1), beat Jamaica (3-1), and drew against Mexico (0-0).

Argentina and Ecuador also faced off in the Copa America 2021 quarter-final, with the former winning 3-0, with Lionel Messi scoring a goal as well.