The Copa America quarter-finals will be full of intrigue, even if Lionel Messi is unable to take part
LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi’s leg injury was the only major obstacle standing in Argentina’s way through the group stage and into the quarter-finals of the Copa America.
The defending champions face even bigger challenges and will be counting on Messi to lead the team in what could be his last international tournament.
15-time Copa America champions Albiceleste are still the clear favourites to win America’s biggest football tournament as the quarter-finals begin, but fellow 15-time Copa America champions Uruguay are at the top of the list of contenders who could beat them.
With the hosts, the Americans and Mexico, eliminated, the focus in the group stage has turned to the South American powerhouses who are keen to lift the trophy.
(all times EDT)
ARGENTINA VS. ECUADOR IN HOUSTON (Thursday, 9:00 p.m., FOX)
It is unclear whether Messi will play in the first quarter-final due to a leg injury that ruled him out of the team’s last match against Peru. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi’s availability would be a decision made during the match.
“Depending on how he reacts, we’ll make a decision,” Scaloni said Wednesday before training. “If Leo can’t play, there will be consequences. We’ll try to make sure he can play. If not, we’ll try to find the best solution for the team. I’ll talk to him today. It’s only fair that he doesn’t rush and can train as much as he can.”
Argentina showed their strength despite Messi not scoring a single goal in the tournament, winning all three group stage matches by a combined score of 5-0.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez scored four goals in a spectacular effort despite coming off the bench twice, while Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez scored the other. If Scaloni decides to field both centre-forwards together, it could be more than enough to compensate for Messi – and a nightmare for underdogs Ecuador, who surprisingly booked a place in the quarter-finals by not allowing Mexico to score a goal last weekend.
VENEZUELA VS. CANADA IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS (Friday, 9:00 p.m., FS1)
This is a match of pleasant surprises. Venezuela have enjoyed a great tournament so far, winning their three matches by a combined score of 6-1 with the attacking leadership of Salomon Rondon and Eduardo Bello.
Canada advanced from the Copa group stage for the first time despite scoring just one goal in three matches before losing Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan to a broken leg in training on Tuesday. Reaching the semi-finals would be a huge achievement for either team.
COLOMBIA VS. PANAMA IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA (Saturday, 6:00 p.m., FS1)
The quarters move west, where two matches will be played in air-conditioned stadiums during a Europe-wide heatwave.
Colombia are now unbeaten in 26 matches after a draw with Brazil saw them top the group. Led by veteran James Rodríguez, Los Cafeteros will be favourites to qualify against Panama, who beat hosts the US to advance from the group stage.
URUGUAY VS. BRAZIL IN LAS VEGAS (Saturday, 9:00 p.m., FS1)
Sin City will host what is easily the most enticing matchup of the round, pitting a fading powerhouse against a team known for always punching above its weight.
No quarter-final team looked as uncertain as Brazil, who entered the next round with an entirely unimpressive effort. Colombia and Costa Rica held the Seleçao to draws, and fan discontent reached fever pitch.
Worse still, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been suspended for the quarter-finals after picking up two yellow cards. But Brazil are still full of talent who have barely touched the pitch this tournament, so it’s far too early to write off the five-time World Cup winners.
Uruguay, under the brilliant manager Marcelo Bielsa, are exactly as described, winning three times in the group stage, winning 9-1 overall, with Liverpool striker Darwin Nuñez leading the way.
After beating Brazil and Argentina in their final World Cup qualifiers, La Celeste would likely be favourites to win the tournament if not for Argentina’s equally strong form – but Brazil have the talent to put an end to those dreams quickly.