Football

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.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, will not be participating in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The decision was announced by coach Javier Mascherano, who included four World Cup winners in the squad, including striker Julián Álvarez and defender Nicolás Otamendi.Messi, 37, has been struggling with injuries this year and is currently competing in the Copa America, where Argentina is aiming to defend its continental title. The Copa America victory in 2021 served as a catalyst for Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup.Messi won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, his only Olympic appearance. The Olympic men's soccer tournament is reserved for under-23 teams, but three older players are permitted on each squad.Mascherano, who won Olympic gold as a player in 2004 and 2008, will add goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, Otamendi, and Álvarez to his squad after the Copa America concludes. Midfielder Claudio Echeverri, a recent signing for Manchester City from River Plate, will also join the team.Argentina will play two friendlies in France before its Olympic soccer tournament opener against Morocco on July 24. Argentina and Morocco are in Group B along with Iraq and Ukraine.

Argentina's Copa America campaign got off to a flying start as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Peru in Miami on June 29. Despite the absence of talisman Lionel Messi due to a sore hamstring, Argentina showcased their depth and resilience to secure a comfortable win.With coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting lineup. However, the makeshift team displayed impressive cohesion and control throughout the match. Peru, on the other hand, struggled to create any meaningful chances, managing just one shot on goal.Lautaro Martinez emerged as the hero for Argentina, scoring both goals to seal the victory. His first came just after halftime, when he latched onto a sublime through ball from Angel Di Maria and calmly lifted the ball over Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.Argentina had a chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute when Jesus Castillo handled the ball in the area, conceding a penalty. However, Leandro Paredes' spot-kick crashed against the woodwork, leaving the score at 1-0.Martinez then grabbed his second in the 86th minute, latching on to a long pass forward before finishing past Gallese. Replays indicated Martinez may have shoved defender Aldo Corzo in the build-up, but referee Cesar Ramos waved away Peru's protest and the goal stood."It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game," Martinez said afterwards. "There's a lot more to come from us."Argentina's victory ensures their place as Group A winners and a spot in the quarterfinals. They will now face the runner-up from Group B in Houston next Thursday, most likely either Ecuador or Mexico.In Saturday's other Group A game, Canada held 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions Chile to a 0-0 draw in Orlando, which was enough to see the Canadians into the last eight. Chile needed a victory to leapfrog the Canadians into the knockout rounds but were left with a mountain to climb early in the game when Gabriel Suazo was dismissed for a second yellow card after only 27 minutes."It took a lot of hard work -- it's our first time in this competition and it's not easy," Canada captain Alphonso Davies said about his team's advance to the last eight. "There's a lot of good teams in this competition and a lot of good players. But we stuck to our plan and we played well. We showed a lot of fight. We had to show our teeth at times, but overall we did well."Canada will play the winners of Group B in the quarterfinals.

Lionel Messi, the talismanic captain of Argentina, will miss the team's final Copa America group game against Peru due to muscle tightness. The news was confirmed by assistant coach Walter Samuel, who stated that Messi is being monitored on a "day-by-day" basis.Messi experienced discomfort in his right adductor muscle during Argentina's previous match. Samuel emphasized that the team is not overly concerned about Messi's absence, as they have proven capable of performing well without him in the past."The team has always shown that they can rise to the occasion when he's not there," Samuel said.Argentina has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals after victories over Canada and Chile. A draw against Peru on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami would ensure their qualification as group winners.Despite Messi's absence, Samuel insisted that Argentina will field a strong team against Peru. "Peru has top players; we are taking this game with the utmost seriousness," he said.Samuel will be in charge on the bench as head coach Lionel Scaloni serves a one-game suspension for the team's tardiness in emerging for the second half in their previous matches. Scaloni expressed disappointment over the suspension, stating that he and his coaching staff have always maintained a high level of professionalism.Argentina is expected to rest several key players against Peru, but Samuel emphasized that the team will still aim for a win. "We want to finish the group stage on a high note," he said.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has expressed optimism about a leg injury sustained during his team's 1-0 Copa America victory over Chile. The injury occurred when Messi was kicked by Gabriel Suazo in the 24th minute of the match.Despite the discomfort, Messi remained on the field and played a crucial role in Argentina's triumph. He assisted Lautaro Martínez's 88th-minute goal, which secured the victory and a berth in the quarterfinals.After the match, Messi downplayed the severity of the injury, stating that it was "nothing serious." He added that it was bothering him slightly but did not hinder his ability to finish the game. Messi also revealed that he had been dealing with a sore throat and fever in recent days.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi's fitness, citing his ability to sprint half the length of the field late in the game. Scaloni plans to rest several starters in Argentina's final Group A match against Peru on Saturday.Argentina is currently atop Group A and will advance to the knockout stage unless they lose to Peru and Canada defeats Chile in a simultaneous match. Canada can overtake Argentina on goal difference.Messi's injury has raised concerns among fans and pundits, but the player himself remains optimistic. His determination and resilience are a testament to his unwavering commitment to his team and the sport.

After nearly 90 minutes of relentless dominance, Argentina, led by the enigmatic Lionel Messi, secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chile in the Copa America quarterfinals. The match, played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was a testament to Argentina's unwavering determination and Messi's enduring brilliance.From the outset, Argentina asserted their authority on the game, controlling possession and peppering the Chilean goal with shots. Messi, despite being a day past his 37th birthday, was at the heart of every attacking move, weaving through defenders with ease and creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, the Chilean defense, anchored by goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, stood firm, denying Argentina a breakthrough.As the match wore on, the tension mounted, and the frustration began to show on the faces of the Argentine players. But just when it seemed like the game would end in a stalemate, a moment of brilliance from Lautaro Martínez broke the deadlock.In the 88th minute, Messi's corner kick found its way to Lisandro Martínez, who headed it towards goal. The ball fell to Giovani Lo Celso, who wrestled with Chile's Nicolás Fernández. The ball ricocheted off Bravo and landed at the feet of Igor Lichnovsky, who tried to clear it. However, Martínez, who had entered the game as a substitute just 15 minutes earlier, calmly slotted the ball into the net, sending the Argentine fans into raptures.The goal was a fitting reward for Argentina's relentless pressure and a testament to their never-say-die attitude. It also marked Martínez's second goal of the tournament, solidifying his status as one of Argentina's most promising young players.Argentina's victory sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash against Ecuador, who upset Brazil in the quarterfinals. Messi, who is chasing his first major international trophy with Argentina, will be determined to lead his team to glory and cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Copa America 2023: Argentina Aims for Continental Glory Amidst Messi's Uncertain FutureThe 108-year-old Copa America kicks off on Thursday in the United States, with world champions Argentina seeking their second continental title in what could be Lionel Messi's final appearance in the tournament.Argentina, 15-time Copa America winners, will be led by Messi, who is looking to add to his 2021 triumph. Coach Lionel Scaloni has largely retained his World Cup-winning squad, with veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi likely making their final major tournament appearances.Messi's future in international football remains uncertain. The 36-year-old has yet to decide whether he will participate in a record sixth World Cup in 2026. "I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six," Messi said recently.Argentina faces a tough group stage, with matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru. However, the real challenges await in the knockout rounds, where rivals Brazil and Uruguay are expected to be the main contenders.Brazil, despite struggling in World Cup qualifiers, boasts a talented squad led by Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Uruguay, under coach Marcelo Bielsa, has impressed with recent wins over Argentina and Brazil.Other teams to watch include Colombia, unbeaten in over two years, and the United States, hoping to generate excitement after a disappointing World Cup performance.The Copa America is not only a trial event for the 2026 World Cup but also a prestigious tournament in its own right. The presence of significant immigrant communities from all competing nations is expected to ensure large crowds at the NFL stadiums hosting the matches.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday. Widely regarded as the "greatest footballer of all time," Messi has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his illustrious career.Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Messi's exceptional talent was evident from a young age. At 13, he moved to Barcelona with his family, where the club provided him with treatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Messi quickly rose through the ranks of FC Barcelona's youth academy, showcasing his extraordinary skills and determination.At the age of 17, Messi made his senior debut for Barcelona against Espanyol. He quickly became a key player for the Blaugranas, becoming the team's youngest star to appear in the competition at the time. Over the next 17 years, Messi played a pivotal role in Barcelona's success, winning 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League crowns, and 7 Copa del Rey medals. He also became the league's all-time top scorer with an astounding 474 goals.Messi's brilliance extended beyond club football. In 2007, he emulated Diego Maradona's iconic "goal of the century" against Getafe. He dribbled past six defenders to score a stunning goal that left the football world in awe. In 2009, Messi won his first UEFA Champions League title, scoring a header in the final against Manchester United.In 2020, Messi broke the record for most goals scored for a single club, surpassing Pele's previous mark of 643 goals for Santos FC. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and played for the French club for two seasons, scoring 22 goals in 58 games. In 2023, he moved to Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, where he has scored 13 goals in 18 matches.Messi's international career has also been marked by success. He made his debut for Argentina in 2005 and has since played a key role in the team's achievements. In 2008, he helped Argentina win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. In 2021, he finally won his first major international trophy, leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America.The pinnacle of Messi's career came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored twice in the final against France, helping his team win the trophy after a 36-year drought.Lionel Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is secure. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Defending champions Argentina kicked off their Copa America campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Canada in Atlanta on Thursday. The match was a tale of two halves, with Canada impressing in the first half but Argentina dominating the second.Canada started the match brightly, pressing high and creating several chances. Alphonso Davies was a constant threat down the left flank, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin both had good opportunities to score. However, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was in fine form, making several key saves to keep his team in the game.Argentina gradually grew into the match and began to create chances of their own. Lionel Messi was at the heart of everything, and he played a sublime pass to Alexis Mac Allister in the 49th minute. Mac Allister rounded Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and slotted the ball into an empty net to give Argentina the lead.Canada pushed hard for an equalizer, but Argentina's defense held firm. Nicolas Otamendi, who came on as a substitute in the second half, added some much-needed stability to the backline. In the 88th minute, Messi played another inch-perfect pass, this time to Lautaro Martinez, who made no mistake from close range to seal the victory for Argentina.The win was a hard-fought one for Argentina, but it was a deserved one. They showed their class in the second half, and they will be confident of going all the way in this tournament. Canada, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, but they can take heart from their performance in the first half. They have a talented squad, and they will be hoping to make a deep run in the Copa America.