The Copa America Quarterfinals Will Have Plenty of Intrigue, Even If Lionel Messi Can’t Participate

The Copa America Quarterfinals Will Have Plenty of Intrigue, Even If Lionel Messi Can’t Participate
Uruguay's Mathias Olivera (16), celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal against United States during a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., on July 1, 2024. Reed Hoffman/AP Photo
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LOS ANGELES—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.