By Argentina, the reigning world champions and Copa América title holders, are gearing up for their quarter-final clash against Ecuador at NRG Stadium on Thursday, as the knockout stage of the prestigious South American tournament begins. The Albiceleste’s journey through the group stage was marked by solid performances, securing victories against Canada, Chile, and Peru. However, as they approach this crucial match, the fitness of their talisman, Lionel Messi, remains a significant concern.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s head coach, faces a tactical dilemma as he awaits a final assessment of Messi’s condition. The 37-year-old superstar sat out the team’s last group stage match against Peru due to a sore right hamstring. Scaloni has adopted a cautious approach, stating, “Yesterday we had good feelings and we’ll take this day to define the team based on the response we get today.” The coach emphasized the importance of consulting with Messi directly about his readiness for the game.
Should Messi be unable to start, Scaloni might opt for a potent striking partnership of Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. Martínez, despite starting on the bench in the first two games, has emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals in three appearances. The last time this duo started together was in a pre-tournament friendly against Ecuador on June 9, which Argentina won 1-0.
Scaloni praised both strikers, noting, “Lautaro is doing very well, in a good moment, the same as Julián. Lautaro has not only done well, but he has waited for his chance and that makes me very happy. They both scored goals, let’s hope that streak continues tomorrow.”
Ecuador, who qualified for the quarter-finals ahead of Mexico and Jamaica, presents a formidable challenge despite suffering a defeat to Venezuela in their opening group match. Argentina’s recent record against Ecuador is favorable, with their last defeat dating back to a 2015 World Cup qualifier. However, Scaloni remains cautious, stating, “I don’t believe in statistics, they are there to be broken. Ecuador is a well-trained team, they have good players and a good coach.”
Ecuador’s veteran striker and captain, Enner Valencia, the country’s all-time top scorer with 41 goals, believes an upset is possible. “They have a lot of experience, they’ve been working together for a long time. They are the best players in the world, but we have a young squad with a lot of personality, respecting our opponents but wanting to win,” Valencia commented.
Ecuador’s coach, Félix Sánchez, anticipates that Argentina’s gameplay won’t change drastically with or without Messi. We know we are playing a high-level team, Lionel Messi is the player that makes the difference, and we have played against them with him and without him on the field,” Sánchez noted. “Their gameplan doesn’t change much – they are a group who have been with their head coach for a long time, they know their game plan, and we have had to be ready either way.”
As the tournament progresses, other intriguing quarter-final matchups await. Canada, surprise qualifiers from Group A, will face an impressive Venezuela side that won all three of their group matches. Colombia, who topped Group D ahead of Brazil, are set to play Panama in Arizona. Perhaps the most anticipated clash sees Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay take on Brazil in Las Vegas.
This Copa América knockout stage promises high-stakes football, with teams vying for continental glory. Argentina’s quest to defend their title faces its first major test against Ecuador, with the outcome potentially hinging on Messi’s fitness and Scaloni’s tactical decisions.
AP/AFP
