Follow usArgentina’s men’s national team faces a significant setback as Lionel Messi will miss their final Copa America group stage match against Peru on Saturday due to a right leg injury. Messi sustained the injury during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile on Tuesday.
Argentina assistant coach Walter Samuel confirmed Messi’s absence in a press conference on Friday, noting, “Leo 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.”
Fortunately, the strain in Messi’s leg is considered minimal, as reported by Argentine outlet TYCSports, offering some relief to Argentina and its fans. Despite this positive health update, Messi will be sidelined, and Argentina will have to proceed without their star player.
Adding to the team’s challenges, head coach Lionel Scaloni will not be present for the match at Hard Rock Stadium. CONMEBOL announced his suspension due to game delays during the match against Chile.
Messi now gets nine days to recover before Argentina’s quarterfinal matchup against either Ecuador or Mexico, which will kick off on July 4 in Houston.
US Soccer Federation condemns racial abuse after Panama defeat 
Panama shocks USA with 2-1 win at Copa America 
Messi optimistic about his problem as Argentina reach 1/4 finals 
