Lionel Messi will be absent from Argentina’s final Copa America group match against Peru due to muscle tightness, as confirmed by team officials last Friday.
Assistant coach Walter Samuel revealed during a press conference that the Inter Miami star is recovering from a right adductor muscle injury. “Lionel Messi had a problem in the last game; he won’t participate in this one,” Samuel explained. The team will monitor his recovery closely.
Despite Lionel Messi’s absence, Samuel remained optimistic about the team’s performance. “The team has proven capable in the past without him,” he noted, suggesting that Angel Di Maria might step in for Messi.
Argentina has secured a spot in the quarter-finals following victories over Canada and Chile. A draw against Peru at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium this Saturday would confirm Argentina as group leaders.
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While several key players may rest for the upcoming match, Samuel emphasized the contest’s importance. “Peru has top players; we are approaching this game with the utmost seriousness,” he asserted. With head coach Lionel Scaloni suspended for this match, Samuel will lead the team from the bench.
The suspension followed delays in the team’s second-half appearances during matches against Chile and Canada, for which Scaloni expressed disappointment. “We consider ourselves a correct coaching staff, and in all these years, we’ve never faced such sanctions,” Samuel commented.
