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Date(s) - July 5, 2024 - July 6, 2024
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World Cup champion Lionel Messi is close to making his Copa América return from a right groin/adductor injury, but it’s unclear what role he’ll play during Argentina’s quarterfinal matchup.

Messi remains day-to-day, and could either return to the starting lineup or come off the bench when Argentina plays Ecuador in the Copa América quarterfinals at NRG Stadium in Houston on Thursday.

Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said Wednesday that he would speak to Messi before the club’s practice to determine how much he will play in the Ecuador match.

“I think it’s fair to wait until the last moment,” Scaloni said, referring to Messi going through another practice Wednesday. “I think it’s fair that he should take is time and train as much as possible. So, after the training, rather, before, I will talk to him and then we will make the decision.”

Argentina, the defending Copa América 2021 and World Cup champions, could certainly beat Ecuador without Messi. But news of his potential participation bodes well for his health and Argentina’s pursuit for another championship.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Inter Miami star, participated in his first full practice with his Argentine teammates in Houston on Tuesday night, one day after he was a limited participant for the first time since he incurred the injury.

Messi was injured during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during the second group-stage match on June 25.

The injury caused Messi to Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, when he watched the match from the bench and was listed as a substitute despite wearing street clothes.