When Argentina faces Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the South American Championship on Friday, Swedish time, the team may have to do without Lionel Messi.
The megastar has injury problems.
Leo Messi, who now plays for MLS club Miami, missed the last group stage match in the South American Championship against Peru due to injury concerns. And even though he is reported to be back in training, it is uncertain whether he will play against Ecuador in Houston tonight.
If it turns out that he can't play, we have to find the best solution for the team. I'll talk to him. I think it's reasonable that he takes his time and trains as much as he can, says Argentina's national team coach Lionel Scaloni at a press conference.
It's one of Messi's legs that's causing problems.
It's always a change when Leo can't play. It's a change for everyone. His status is match by match, says Scaloni.
Argentina took three straight wins in the group stage, but 37-year-old Messi has not scored any goals in the tournament yet. If Argentina wins against Ecuador, they will face either surprise team Canada or Venezuela in the semifinals.
The final of the South American Championship will be played on July 14.
