Argentina’s campaign in the Copa América 2024 may face a temporary setback as reports suggest that team captain Lionel Messi is unlikely to feature in their final group stage match against Peru on Saturday in Miami. This development, reported by ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano, comes in the wake of injury concerns for the 37-year-old star.
Messi, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, has been a pivotal figure in Argentina’s successful start to the tournament, playing all 180 minutes in their two victories. These wins have secured Argentina’s place atop Group A and guaranteed their progression to the knockout stages. However, the toll of these performances appears to have caught up with the veteran forward.
During Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile on Tuesday, Messi was seen receiving treatment on the sideline for a right thigh injury. Post-match, he also disclosed discomfort in his right hamstring. These concerns led to Messi’s absence from Argentina’s Thursday training session, signaling the need for rest and recovery.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni had already hinted at potential lineup changes for the Peru match in the aftermath of the Chile game. This decision aligns with Argentina’s comfortable position in the group and the need to manage player workload throughout the tournament.
As Argentina prepares to face Peru, their focus will likely shift to maintaining their group-topping form while preserving key players for the knockout stages. The team’s depth will be tested in Messi’s absence, offering opportunities for other squad members to shine.
Looking ahead, Argentina’s likely top spot in Group A sets them up to face the second-place team from Group B in the next round. This could be any of Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, or Jamaica, depending on Sunday’s results.
While Messi’s absence may disappoint fans eager to see the soccer icon in action, it reflects a pragmatic approach to tournament management. As Copa América 2024 progresses, all eyes will be on Argentina to see how they perform without their talismanic captain and whether this brief respite will rejuvenate Messi for the crucial knockout stages.
