The 2022 FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina, commenced their Copa America 2024 campaign with two wins in their opening two fixtures. However, Argentina captain Lionel Messi suffered an injury on his right leg during La Albiceleste’s second group-stage clash in the South American championship. Ahead of the defending champions’ final group stage clash against Peru on Saturday, speculations have been made over Lionel Messi’s participation in the game.
Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in their Copa America 2024 opener while they clinched a 1-0 win over Chile in the second clash. In Group A, Argentina are sitting at the top with six points in two matches followed by Canada at the second spot with three points while Chile and Peru are placed at the bottom respectively with one point each.
Although Argentina have confirmed their qualification to the quarter-final of the Copa America 2024, Lionel Scaloni’s side suffered a major scare following legendary forward Lionel Messi’s injury against Chile. Messi will be sidelined for the game against Peru on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
In a press conference on Friday, Argentine assistant Walter Samuel said, “Leo (Lionel Messi) had an issue in the last match. He won’t be joining us in the next one. We’re going day by day, and awaiting his evolution.”
After Argentina’s final clash in the group stage, the three-time World Cup champions will face either Ecuador or Mexico on July 4 in Houston. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will have a week to recover from his injury and return to Argentina’s starting lineup.