Messi May Miss Copa America Clash Against Peru Amid Injury Concerns

Messi’s Potential Absence Disappoints Fans

Argentina captain and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi may not play in the Copa America game against Peru on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium, much to the disappointment of the expected sellout crowd. With Argentina already clinching a spot in the quarterfinals following a 1-0 win against Chile, coach Lionel Scaloni plans to rest many starters for the third group stage game, which could mean Messi will not be in the lineup.

Resting Starters and Evaluating New Talent

“Players who have not had a chance to play in the first two games will get a chance to play because I need to see them and because they deserve it,” Scaloni said. This strategy indicates that Messi, among others, will likely be rested to avoid further strain and injury.

Messi’s Injury and Health Concerns

Messi’s participation was already in doubt due to an upper right thigh injury sustained early in the Chile match. He played through the pain, completing the full 90 minutes, but was undergoing tests on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. Messi confirmed feeling discomfort in his right adductor/groin area and mentioned having a sore throat and fever in the days leading up to the match.

“It bothers me a little bit, but I was able to finish playing,” Messi said post-game. “I hope it’s nothing serious. It happened during the sprint on the first play. I didn’t feel a sharp pain, but it got stiff. It was hard to move freely. I felt discomfort. I’ll see how I feel (Wednesday).”

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Scaloni’s Comments on Messi’s Status

Asked about Messi’s injury, Scaloni said, “I didn’t speak with him after the game. He ended up playing through. You saw he had the 50-meter sprint there with Angel (DiMaria) and Lautaro (Martinez) and it’s the last image I have (in my mind). I can’t say more because I haven’t seen him.”

Group A Standings and Upcoming Matches

Argentina will secure the top spot in Group A unless they lose to Peru and Canada wins over Chile in a simultaneous game in Orlando. Canada could edge Argentina for the group lead on goal differential. Currently, Argentina is at plus-three and Canada at minus-one.

Messi’s Performance and Argentina’s Challenge

Messi, who has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 games for Inter Miami this season, is scoreless in Argentina’s first two Copa America games. He had an assist in the 2-0 opening win against Canada and missed several scoring chances, including a shot that hit the post against Chile.

Chilean defenders swarmed Messi, making it difficult for him to create opportunities. Despite their physical play and multiple fouls, Argentina secured a victory with Lautaro Martinez’s 88th-minute goal.

Chile and Peru’s Standings

Chile and Peru are tied for third place in Group A with one point each. Chile will face Canada on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

Scaloni’s Final Thoughts

“It was a well-deserved victory, the game was not easy, and it was won at the least expected moment as it seemed to be getting away from us,” Scaloni said. “But the team continued to believe, and continued to attack. Chile has been a very tough opponent for us. They are working very well, Ricardo (Gareca) is doing a great job.”