Chances of Lionel Messi’s participation in Argentina’s quarter-final clash look bright as the striker has reportedly asked the coach Lionel Scaloni if he intends to play in this game. 

According to Argentine media, Messi has urged desire to start against Ecuador, scheduled to be held on Friday early morning (Indian time). 

Argentina boss Scaloni, speaking to the media earlier revealed that if Messi becomes available for the match then Laurato Martinez and Julian Alvarez are likely to start for Albiceleste. He commented, “We will wait before making a decision about Messi. Yesterday we had good feelings for Leo. Yes, it is an option for Julian and Laurato to start together if Leo is not there. We will wait for today’s training to discuss”.

Significantly, it is also learned that the Argentine skipper has recovered from injury and is ready to face Ecuador's challenge. Messi missed the team’s last group league match due to injury. Before the quarter-final clash the 37-year-old Argentina star had started training with the team. 

On the other hand, Angel Di Maria is in good form and hopeful to carry it in the quarter-finals too.

However, before the quarter-final clash Copa America has introduced a special rule. According to the new rule, all the matches will not have any extra time. The match, ending goalless after the 90 minutes of regulation time, will directly proceed to penalties.