Lionel Messi is leading Argentina at Copa America 2024, as they aim for another continental triumph.
La Albiceleste announced their squad for the tournament ahead of their warm-up friendlies in June, with Messi predictably the star name.
In the last edition of this tournament, Messi won his first major international trophy with his country, as Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final.
Despite recent hamstring issues, Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, is determined to continue delivering for his country.
This is Messi’s seventh appearance in the Copa America. He started the tournament just five goals away from becoming the top scorer in the tournament’s history, a record currently held by Norberto Mendez and Zizinho with 17 goals each.
Here’s all the details on Messi’s next match, and when you can see him in action at Copa America 2024.
MORE: Copa America 2024 full schedule of matches and latest results, updated LIVE
Is Lionel Messi playing today vs. Ecuador in Copa America?
Messi did not start in the final Group A match with Peru, after being ruled out with an injury. The Inter Miami star suffered a “problem” in the group-stage match against Chile on June 25 at MetLife Stadium.
Messi required treatment on the sidelines during the match for a right thigh issue caused by a heavy challenge.
It was clear for some time that Messi was struggling, although it was eventually determined that he could continue. He played the full 90 minutes, but with Argentina winning 1-0 to qualify already for the quarterfinals, it was confirmed he would not play in the final group match.
Surprisingly, he was still named on the substitutes’ bench for the clash, which suggests he was closer to fitness than might have been presumed.
And his status for the Ecuador match has been confirmed, with Messi named in the starting lineup for the game.
🏆 #CopaAmérica
📋 ¡Once inicial confirmado! ⚽
Así formará @Argentina 🇦🇷 para el encuentro ante #Perú 🇵🇪 pic.twitter.com/7AQNnINzfX
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 29, 2024
BUY NOW: Argentina tickets at the 2024 Copa America
Argentina Copa America 2024 group
As the reigning champions, Argentina were seeded for the draw and automatically placed into Group A.
The holders received a favorable draw, which allowed them to comfortably advance to the knockout stage with a game to spare.
From Pot 2, Argentina drew Peru. From Pot 3, they drew a relatively weak Chile side. Finally, from Pot 4, they drew Canada, the playoff winner.
MORE: Argentina squad for Copa America 2024
Group A
Argentina |
Peru |
Chile |
Canada |
MORE: How many Copa America titles have Argentina won?
Argentina Copa America 2024 match schedule and results
Argentina kicked off the 2024 Copa America in Atlanta with a win against Canada, who secured their spot by defeating Trinidad and Tobago in a playoff match in March.
Next, Argentina headed to the New York metro area to face Chile, where Lautaro Martinez came off the bench yet again to score his second goal of the tournament in a 1-0 win.
They concluded the group stage in Miami against Peru, where they enjoyed significant support.
Next up they will face Ecuador in the quarterfinals, with the match kicking off at 9pm ET on July 4.
Fixture | Date | Venue |
---|---|---|
Argentina 2-0 Canada | June 20, 2024 | Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) |
Chile 0-1 Argentina | June 25, 2024 | East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium) |
Argentina 2-0 Peru | June 29, 2024 | Miami, FL (Hard Rock Stadium) |
MORE: Lionel Messi record and goals at Copa America
How to watch Lionel Messi and Argentina at Copa America 2024
Here’s how to watch Messi in this Copa America 2024 match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
TV Channel | Streaming | |
USA | FS1, TUDN USA, Univsion | Fubo, Univision NOW, ViX, Fox Sports app/website |
Canada | TSN, RDS | TSN+, RDS app |
UK | — | Premier Sports Player |
Australia | — | Optus Sport |
India | — | — |
USA: Copa America 2024 matches will be broadcast on Fox Sports and Fox Sports 1, with streaming options available on Fubo where new users can sign up to a FREE trial.
Spanish language options can be found on TUDN, Univision and ViX.
Canada: TSN and RDS are showing Copa America matches, with selected games on CTV.
Australia: Fans in Australia can follow all the Copa America 2024 action live and on demand on Optus Sport.
UK: Streaming access for the Copa America 2024 is available on Premier Sports.
India: Fans in India are not able to watch Messi on local broadcasts.
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