The captain of the Argentina side spoke to reporters after the victory against Chile and acknowledged tightness in his abductor.
Argentina are off to a positive start in the Conmebol Copa América 2024 with the 2022 World Cup winners recording opening game wins against Canada and Chile to mathematically secure a place in the next phase of the competition. Next up for the Argentines is the final Group A clash on Saturday against Peru who have only taken one point from two games with everything pointing to Lionel Messi missing the game in Miami.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet in the matchday two win over Chile, Messi played for the full 90 minutes and completed 94% of his passes (32/34).
In the mixed zone post game, the veteran striker was on hand to speak to the media and acknowledged the complexity of the contest against ‘La Roja’ adding: “Sometimes the condition of the pitch makes us have to take a little longer in breaking down opponents. When asked about his physical condition, the No. 10 recognised that he had noticed ‘tightness’ in his abductor but was able to finish the match and would take time to see how this ailment responds to treatment in the forthcoming days with speculation already growing that the Rosario native will be rested by head coach Scaloni for the last group stage game.
Possible rotation?
With Argentina already through to the quarterfinals of the tournament, it’s feasible that Scaloni uses the game against Peru as an opportunity a number of key players and field other members of the squad.
Following Saturday’s game in Florida, Argentina will head to Houston (Texas) where they face the runners-up in Group B which includes Jamaica, Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador with the quarter-final contest scheduled for 4 July.
Their path to a consecutive Copa America final would then see a semi-final clash in New Jersey on 9 July before the showpiece final back in Miami on 14 July.