Messi back in training ahead of Copa América QF

Lionel Messi returned to training with Argentina on Monday as they prepare to face Ecuador in the Copa América quarterfinals in Houston this week.

Messi had not trained since sustaining a groin/thigh injury during his side’s 1-0 win against Chile on June 25. He sat out Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru on Saturday.

The Argentine football federation said the 37-year-old did some kinesiology work before training and was with the rest of the group afterwards.

Messi failed to score in the group stage for the first time at this year’s tournament, a goalscoring streak that has also ended for Cristiano Ronaldo during this year’s European Championship.

Argentina face Ecuador on Thursday in Texas.