Argentina will be without superstar Lionel Messi for the final Copa America group game against Peru (Sunday, June 30, 02:00 CEST). The Inter Miami player suffered a thigh injury in the 1-0 win over Chile on Wednesday. After the final whistle, the multiple World Cup winner described to reporters problems with his upper right leg. “It wasn’t as easy as it should have been,” Messi said, continuing: “But I was able to finish the game. We’ll see how it goes.”
After the 37-year-old failed to train on Thursday, the attacking player is expected to return to training at least on Friday. However, Argentine assistant coach Walter Samuel, who was primarily responsible against Peru in the absence of the suspended Lionel Scalonis, confirmed the striker’s failure: “He won’t be in the next match. We’ll look at it day by day and see how he recovers.”
Thanks to two wins in two games, Argentina has already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa America. However, as in the Copa America, unlike in the Euros, goal difference is the first decisive factor in the event of a draw, the Albiceleste are not yet top of the group. However, one point is enough against Peru.
