Argentina’s Lionel Messi looks on during a Copa America soccer match against Bolivia at Arena Pantanal stadium in Cuiaba, Brazil, Monday, June 28, 2021.
Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez, center, celebrates scoring his side’s 4th goal against Bolivia with teammate Lionel Messi during a Copa America soccer match at Arena Pantanal stadium in Cuiaba, Brazil, Monday, June 28, 2021.
Ecuador’s Alan Steven Franco, right, reacts at the end of a Copa America soccer match against Brazil at Olimpico stadium in Goiania, Brazil, Sunday, June 27, 2021. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Ecuador making it to the quarterfinals.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Argentina has Lionel Messi, history and form going for it heading into its Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador on Saturday.
Ecuador has yet to win a match after three draws and a loss, but Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has “maximum respect” for the team coached by his countryman Gustavo Alfaro.
“Ecuador is a dynamic, quick team, which could it make it hard for anyone. They have interesting players,” Scaloni said.
Argentina topped its group with three wins and one draw, and Messi in great shape. The captain scored three goals in the four games while setting a record for most Argentina caps.
Messi, not seemingly distracted by the end of his contract with Barcelona, is benefiting from a team that allows him to be near the penalty box instead of getting the ball farther from the goal.
But Scaloni still has decisions to make before the encounter at Olimpico Stadium in Goiania.
The first is whether defender Cristian Romero, who has pains in his left knee, will play. The coach said Romero’s replacement could be Germán Pezzella. There was also a challenge between Nicolás Tagliafico and Marcos Acuña for left back.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes is expected to play, but Guido Rodríguez could still take his place after good performances.
