Messi's Fitness in Doubt for Argentina's Copa America Quarter-Final

Lionel Messi's participation in Argentina's Copa America quarter-final clash against Ecuador remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue. Coach Lionel Scaloni will make a decision on Messi's availability after Wednesday's training session.

Messi missed Argentina's final group stage match against Peru due to a sore right hamstring. Scaloni stated that he will consult with the 37-year-old forward to assess his readiness for the game.

"We'll wait a couple of hours and make the decision. It is always better to have one more day," Scaloni said. "Yesterday we had good feelings and we'll take this day to define the team based on the response we get today."

If Messi is unable to start, Scaloni could opt for a twin-striker attack featuring Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Martinez is the tournament's leading scorer with four goals, while Alvarez netted in the opening game against Canada.

"They have already played together against this rival. We will make the decision after today's training session. We are not ruling anything out because they have worked well and it is an option, it could be," Scaloni said.

Ecuador coach Felix Sanchez does not anticipate a significant change in Argentina's approach, regardless of Messi's presence.

"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," Sanchez said. "Their gameplan doesn't change much - they are a group who have been with their head coach for a long time, they know their gameplan and we have had to be ready either way."

Argentina will hold a training session later on Wednesday, and Scaloni will make a final decision on his team after evaluating Messi's condition and the team's overall performance.

Tags: #CopaAmerica, #LionelMessi, #Argentina, #Ecuador, #HamstringInjury