Lionel Messi to Miss Argentina-Peru Copa America 2024 Clash: Team Update

Argentina’s final Copa America group match against Peru will not include Lionel Messi due to a reported case of muscle strain, the team announced on Friday. A news conference was held by assistant coach Walter Samuel, who stated that the Inter Miami star was “day-by-day” due to an injury to his right adductor muscle.

“Leo had a problem in the last game, he won’t be there for this game,” Samuel stated. “We are going to go day-by-day waiting for its evolution.” Samuel, on the other hand, downplayed how the loss of Messi would affect the other players.

“The group has consistently demonstrated its ability to perform even in his absence,” Samuel remarked, dropping hints that seasoned player Angel Di Maria would start in Messi’s place.

After victories over Canada and Chile in their first two games, Argentina has already guaranteed their spot in the quarterfinals.

Also Read: Colombia’s 3-0 Victory over Costa Rica, Secures Quarter-Final Spot in Copa America

Argentina would automatically go to the round of eight as group champions if they draw their match against Peru on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Argentina is anticipated to rest a number of its starting lineup against Peru, despite Samuel’s insistence on Friday that the world champions will still aim for victory.

Coach Lionel Scaloni will be serving a one-game ban, leaving Samuel in charge of the bench. “Peru has top players; we are taking this game with the utmost seriousness,” Samuel stated.

Argentina and Scaloni were fined for their late arrivals for the second half of their matches against Chile and Canada.
Scaloni was “a little bitter” over the suspension, according to Samuel.

“We consider ourselves a correct coaching staff and in all these years we’ve never had these kind of sanctions,” Samuel stated.