The Copa America quarterfinals will have plenty of intrigue, even if Lionel Messi can’t participate
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lionel Messi’s leg injury was the only major obstacle that fell into Argentina’s path while it rolled through group play and into the Copa America quarterfinals.
Bigger challenges await the defending champions, and they’re hoping Messi will be there to lead the way in perhaps his final international tournament.
The 15-time Copa America champion Albiceleste are still the undeniable favorites in the Americas’ biggest soccer tournament when quarterfinal play gets underway, but the other 15-time Copa champs — Uruguay — top the list of challengers capable of taking them down.
With the host Americans and Mexico eliminated in group play, the spotlight shifts firmly to the South American powerhouses determined to raise the trophy.