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Lionel Messi, Argentina's stalwart captain, faced a daunting challenge as he battled with a thigh injury ahead of their crucial Copa America quarterfinal clash against Ecuador. The 37-year-old football icon, who had missed Argentina's previous match against Peru due to pain from the injury sustained against Chile, expressed his apprehension and uncertainty during his preparation for the match in Texas. Despite these challenges, Messi managed to start the game and played the full 90 minutes in a hard-fought 1-1 draw that eventually led to Argentina's victory in a penalty shootout.

Throughout his recovery and preparation, Messi admitted to training "with lots of fear," highlighting the mental and physical toll of the injury. His determination to join his team on the field underscored his commitment to Argentina's Copa America campaign. Despite initially struggling with uncertainty, Messi affirmed that once on the pitch, he felt comfortable and contributed significantly to his team's performance.

The match against Ecuador proved to be a grueling test for Argentina, with Messi acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by their opponents. He praised Ecuador's intensity and dynamic playstyle, emphasizing the difficulty Argentina faced in breaking down their resilient defense. The game, played at Houston's NRG Stadium, also drew attention to the conditions of the pitch, which Messi critiqued as subpar—a recurring issue in the Copa America tournament.

Emi Martinez, the Aston Villa goalkeeper, emerged as Argentina's hero during the penalty shootout, saving crucial shots after Messi's own penalty attempt hit the crossbar. Reflecting on the match, Messi lauded Martinez's performance and credited the team's collective effort in securing the victory.

Looking ahead, Messi and Argentina are set to face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals at MetLife Stadium. The upcoming match poses another significant challenge as Argentina aims to advance further in the tournament and ultimately vie for the Copa America title.

As Messi navigates through his injury recovery and continues to lead Argentina with his unparalleled skill and leadership, his journey in the Copa America serves as a testament to his resilience and enduring impact on the world stage of football.