Lionel Messi back at training ahead of Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final
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Argentina forward Lionel Messi has not trained since sustaining a groin/thigh injury during his side’s 1-0 win against Chile on June 25.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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HOUSTON – Argentina’s Lionel Messi returned to training on July 1 as they prepare to face Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals in Houston on July 4.
Messi had not trained since sustaining an injury during his side’s 1-0 win against Chile on June 25. He sat out Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru on June 29.
The Argentine football federation said the 37-year-old did some kinesiology work before training and was with the rest of the group afterwards.
On the same day, the Inter Miami attacker headlined the list of 30 players named for the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, against top talent from Mexico’s Liga MX. The match will take place on July 24, after the Copa.
Messi is joined in the team by fellow Miami players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. At club level, the Argentinian has registered 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 MLS games in 2024.
In Messi’s absence, Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has shone for the holders, leading the scoring charts with four goals, including a brace in their final group match against Peru.
The 26-year-old, who was criticised for his performances in Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2022, told TyC Sports: “I’m happy, because I was able to score in the three group-stage games and because I was able to help the team, which is what counts.
“I’m fine... I had a great season at my club and I felt good. I felt ready to get rid of the thorn from the World Cup. That was important for me, to prepare well for the Copa America, which I did and I’m showing it.”
Meanwhile, Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez said his side were under no illusions about the scale of the task they face against world champions Argentina.
He said: “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 champions and the world’s best team...
“I believe that our team are 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.” REUTERS, AFP
