Lionel Messi injury update: Latest news as Argentina star is ruled out of Peru match in Copa America
Lionel Messi injury update: Latest news as Argentina star is ruled out of Peru match in Copa America
Defending champions Argentina look like the team to beat at the 2024 Copa America. They're one of the deepest, most talented teams on the planet, but there is one player they can ill afford to lose.
That player, Lionel Messi, may indeed be struggling for fitness at the moment after suffering a "problem" in the group-stage match against Chile on June 25 at MetLife Stadium.
Messi required treatment on the sidelines during the match for a right thigh issue caused by a heavy challenge.
It was clear for some time that Messi was struggling, although it was eventually determined that he could continue. He played the full 90 minutes, but with Argentina winning 1-0 to qualify already for the quarterfinals, it has now been confirmed he will not play in the final group match with Peru on Saturday.
Messi has had a history of muscle injuries in recent years, especially since joining MLS club Inter Miami, which only furthers to stoke fears of a problem.
The Sporting News brings you the latest news regarding the 37-year-old, whose absence could be a worst-case scenario for Argentina.
What is Lionel Messi's injury at Copa America 2024?
There is no official confirmation of the nature of Lionel Messi's injury at this stage, other than that he suffered a "problem".
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Peru match, Argentina assistant coach Walter Samuel said:
Leo had a problem in the last game and he won't be in this one. We are going to see how it is day-by-day
Messi was fouled near the touchline by Chile left-back Gabriel Suazo in the 25th minute and immediately asked for treatment from the nearby medical staff, taking the opportunity to have the team trainer work on his right adductor while play continued. The Argentina trainer began aggressively rubbing a cream into the inside of his thigh, appearing to possibly be working out a knot or other kind of knock.
Argentina played down a man for a full minute or two before Messi eventually came back out on the field. It appeared for a good 10 minutes that something was wrong, as Messi looked like he could barely move.
Those fears seemed allayed as Messi went inches away from scoring the opening goal in the 36th minute, ripping a low left-footed effort that fizzed by the right post, seeming to indicate that he was okay.
However, despite making it through the 90 minutes it seems he was carrying an issue.
How long will Lionel Messi be out of Copa America?
There is no news on how long Lionel Messi will be sidelined — other than that he will miss the Peru match — but there is one indication that the injury may not be too serious.
The fact that Messi stayed on the pitch after clearly feeling something 25 minuets in indicates that he may be able to play through the issue if needed, but with qualification already assured it may be that Argentina are playing it cautious with their 37-year-old superstar.
Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to make a host of changes for the final group match, with several fringe players set to be given a chance.