Argentina staff are reportedly uncertain about Lionel Messi’s fitness with the Inter Miami star now back in international training.
The 37-year-old attacker missed La Albiceleste’s final Copa America group stage match as manager Lionel Scaloni rotated the majority of the main starting XI heading into Thursday’s quarter-final against Ecuador.
With Messi struggling with fitness issues this year mainly caused by playing too many games without getting the right amount of rest, there’s a reason for Argentina to be concerned about their captain’s current injury problems.
And Argentina staff have now given their verdict on Messi ahead of this week’s quarter-final.
Messi still touch-and-go despite returning to Argentina training
According to the Athletic, Messi’s fitness remains a day-to-day situation, though the forward’s return to full training ahead of Thursday’s clash against Ecuador is a good indicator that the Inter Miami star will be involved.
Messi played every minute for Argentina in their two opening group stage games of the Copa America, and with the competition now at the serious phase, the 37-year-old will want to be as involved as possible for his national team.
Indeed, Argentina remain the tournament favorites after a flawless group stage where the likes of Lautaro Martinez and, of course, Messi, impressed for the reigning South American and FIFA World Cup champions.
And whilst Messi’s fitness is touch-and-go, the general feeling seems to indicate that the forward in some capacity on Thursday against Ecuador in what will be a must-win match for Argentina.
Inter Miami will hope Messi isn’t pushed too far at the Copa America
Messi’s fitness has been a major talking point at Inter Miami this year, with the forward missing a handful of games due to various issues that have been handled relatively well by the Herons’ medical staff.
Yet for Argentina at the Copa America, Inter Miami will be hoping that Messi isn’t pushed too far, with the attacker already a doubt for this week’s huge knockout tie against Ecuador, who have impressed at the tournament.
Messi picking up a long-term injury this summer would be a disaster for Inter Miami, and Argentina need to be aware that their star forward needs to be treated carefully in the remaining weeks of the competition.