Messi’s Argentina eyes semis as Copa knockout stage begins

Houston: Argentina, reigning Copa America champions and favourites, are poised to continue their journey towards defending their title as they face Ecuador in the knockout stage at NRG Stadium on Friday.

Throughout the group stage, Argentina exhibited solidity under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, securing victories over Canada, Chile, and Peru. The team's defensive confidence, midfield organisation, and potent attacking threats were evident, although they faced challenges in securing points against Canada and Chile before comfortably resting key players in a 2-0 win over Peru.

However, concerns linger over the fitness of Lionel Messi, who missed the match against Peru due to a sore right hamstring. Scaloni indicated that Messi's condition would be assessed after training on Wednesday, potentially paving the way for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez to lead the attack should Messi be sidelined. Lautaro, the tournament's top scorer with four goals in three games despite initially starting on the bench, previously partnered with Alvarez in a friendly against Ecuador, which Argentina won 1-0.

Argentina holds a strong historical advantage over Ecuador, having not lost to them since 2015 in a World Cup qualifier and never in a Copa America encounter. Yet, Scaloni remains cautious, acknowledging Ecuador's competitive squad and their potential to challenge despite historical statistics.

Ecuador, led by veteran striker and captain Enner Valencia, has showcased resilience in reaching the quarter-finals ahead of Mexico and Jamaica, despite a setback against Venezuela in their group opener. Valencia, Ecuador's all-time top scorer with 41 goals, believes in his team's capability to cause an upset, emphasising

 their youthful squad's determination against Argentina's seasoned stars.

Meanwhile, other quarter-final matchups feature surprises and powerhouse clashes. Canada, emerging as quarter-finalists after topping Group A over Chile and Peru, faces Venezuela, who impressed with a perfect record in Group B. Colombia, topping their group ahead of Brazil, prepares to meet Panama, while Uruguay clashes with Brazil in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Las Vegas.

As the Copa America intensifies into the knockout stages, all eyes are on Argentina's quest for glory, Ecuador's determination to defy odds, and the compelling matchups that will shape the tournament's outcome. AFP