Imagine Lionel Messi not showing up for Argentina on his home turf in Miami. Well, there is a huge possibility of a no-show from Messi, as he sat out Argentina’s recent training session to nurse an injury woe. Injuries have recurrently haunted the 2022 World Champion since he kick-started Inter Miami’s pre-season tour in January this year. Strangely, a hamstring injury and adductor strain kept the 37-year-old out of many crucial Miami games. Yet, it seems like one such injury has returned after Messi played the entire 90 minutes in Argentina’s first two group games.
Lionel Messi took an abrasive tackle to his thigh during the Chile game and went down in the 24th minute. Later, he was seen receiving treatment for his right adductor muscle- the same area that suffered an injury in March. Now, Mundo Deportivo has reported that the Argentine staff said Lionel Messi is still experiencing pain in the adductor area and is extremely uncomfortable.
Moreover, the Argentine skipper is also experiencing severe inflammation in the injured area. Citing Messi’s injury woe, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni reportedly kept him out of training and sent him to his home in Miami to reunite with his family.
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via Reuters
Soccer Football – Copa America 2024 – Group B – Chile v Argentina – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States – June 25, 2024 Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Therefore, it is highly likely that Scaloni would rest Lionel Messi against Peru to save him for the do-or-die quarter-final game. Besides, Argentina’s two decent victories in the group stage have put their boss in a comfortable position to save Messi for the next big game.
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But, as of now, Scaloni and co. are far from assuring that they will start Messi in the quarter-final on Thursday. A medical examination is underway for the Inter Miami star. In a new blow for Scaloni’s Copa defense, Argentina received another star player to their injury list.
Lionel Messi awaits medical results, while Argentina’s injury list grows
The Argentina medical staff has conducted tests on Lionel Messi’s swollen adductor as per the report on Mundo Deportivo. Moreover, the report said the test results will be out only later today. The outcome of these tests will determine whether Messi is fit to feature in the quarter-final or not. Argentina is most likely to play against Ecuador or Mexico in the quarters.
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If La Albiceleste were to pursue this battle without their skipper, it wouldn’t be straightforward for them to prevail and keep their Copa dreams alive.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s star full-back Marcos Acuna is experiencing severe muscular discomfort. Hence, Lionel Scaloni will sideline the ace defender in the game against Peru. If Acuna and Messi struggle to recover before the decisive next round, things will go further off-kilter for the world champions.
