During the first half of the CONMEBOL Copa America Group stage game against Chile on June 25, 2024 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Lionel Messi showcased his skill as he controlled the ball with finesse. Messi, however, is not expected to play for Argentina during their final Copa América group stage match against Peru due to a right thigh injury he sustained during their previous match against Chile. The injury was evident as Messi received treatment on the sideline and later revealed that he had been dealing with right hamstring discomfort.
Messi, who recently turned 37, has played a crucial role in Argentina’s two wins so far in the tournament which has secured their spot in the knockout stage. Despite his absence in training on Thursday, head coach Lionel Scaloni has already indicated that he plans to make changes to the lineup for the Peru match, giving opportunities to players who have not had much playing time so far.
As Argentina looks to maintain their top spot in Group A, they will face the second-place team from Group B in the knockout stage. Potential opponents include Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, or Jamaica depending on the outcomes of their matches on Sunday. The focus for Argentina now is on managing Messi’s injury and ensuring that the team remains competitive as they progress through the tournament.