Lionel Messi's status murky for Argentina's Copa clash vs. Ecuador

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Lionel Messi’s presence on the pitch for Argentina isn’t guaranteed for Thursday’s Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador.

The legendary footballer did not play in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru over the weekend to close out the group stage of the tournament, and head coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters Wednesday that the club will “do our best for him to play,” according to The Athletic.

Messi, 37, has been dealing with thigh discomfort — the issue that kept him on the bench on Saturday — that has raised questions over whether he would play against Ecuador.

Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi looks on during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament group A football match between Chile and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on June 25. AFP via Getty Images

“We’re going to wait a bit more,” Scaloni said. “We have another training session and more time to evaluate is best. We feel good about it though. We’ll make a decision based on what we see today.

“I haven’t spoken to Leo about his situation yet. I’ll do that with him today. It’s only fair for him to take his time and train as much as he can. We’ll make that decision then. I haven’t spoken to Leo about his status so I can’t make a decision until tomorrow.”

Messi took part in his first full practice earlier this week on Monday after being previously considered day-to-day due to the thigh issue.

Even if the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is good to go, it’s unclear if Messi will start or come off the bench for the quarterfinal match against Ecuador taking place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The winner of the match will advance to the semifinal taking place at MetLife Stadium.

Messi has dealt with injury issues during the MLS regular season and missed six games for Inter Miami due to muscle injuries.

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AFP via Getty Images

He has only recorded an assist during Copa America while being held without a goal through two games.

Argentina and Ecuador faced one another in a pre-Copa friendly in early June at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Argentina has beaten Ecuador in 110 of their past 16 Copa America matches while tying the other five.

Ecuador has never won a Copa America tournament.

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