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Argentina's quest to win back-to-back Copa America titles kicks into high gear on Thursday, when the knockout stages begin with their faceoff with Ecuador.

The reigning champions are the heavy favorites in this matchup after winning each of their three games in the group stage, but Lionel Messi's fitness is a big talking point heading.

Argentina might have enough firepower in attack to survive Messi's absence if he cannot make it, but they will first have to take on an Ecuador side that rescued their Copa America campaign after a rough start.

Here's what you need to know before tuning in.

How to watch and odds

• Date: Thursday, July 4 | Time: 9 p.m. ET

• Location: NRG Stadium -- Houston, Texas

• TV: Fox | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)

• Odds: Argentina -230; Draw +310; Ecuador +750

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez

Ecuador: Alexander Domínguez, Angelo Preciado, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kevin Rodriguez, Enner Valencia

Reigning champions Argentina go head-to-head with Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston on Thursday, with a spot in the Copa America 2024 semifinals at stake.

The Albiceleste won all of their three games to top Group A in the opening phase of this tournament. They did not concede across the three matches, winning their most recent fixture 2-0 against Peru.

Ecuador, meanwhile, finished level with Mexico on four points after the teams drew 0-0 in their Group B finale, but Felix Sanchez's side claimed a spot in the knockout stages thanks to their superior goal difference.

It is the second straight time that La Tri have qualified for the last eight of this tournament, while they have also advanced to the quarterfinals in three of the previous four Copa America events.

Argentina recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a warm-up game for the tournament, while the most recent Copa America meeting between the two resulted in a 3-0 win in the last eight of the 2021 edition.

Lionel Messi could return to the starting lineup for Argentina’s Copa América quarterfinal match against Ecuador tonight.

Argentine news outlet TYCSports reported Thursday morning that Messi is in line to start the Ecuador match at Houston’s NRG Stadium after his performance in Wednesday’s practice.

“He finished yesterday's practice very well, and the captain feels good to start,” TYCSports insider Gaston Edul reported before the game.

Messi has continued to improve from a right groin/adductor strain in the last nine days. He sustained the injury in a 1-0 win over Chile on June 25, causing him to miss last Saturday’s 2-0 win against Peru in Miami.

Argentina hoped Messi would be healthy to return in the quarterfinal. It was just a matter if he would come off the bench as a substitute or start against Ecuador as his injury has trended positively during his brief recovery.

Here’s what you need to know as USA TODAY Sports provides live updates on the Argentina vs. Ecuador match Thursday night: