Lionel Messi will be sidelined for Argentina’s final game of the Copa America group stage against Peru. The forward received treatement on the pitch for an injury to his inner thigh in their previous game against Chile.
And now, the national team has opted to rest him and give him time to recover ahead of the final game. Argentina have already qualified for the quarter finals of the Copa America, meaning there are only bragging rights at stake.
Lionel Messi and Scaloni to be sidelined for final Copa America group game
Walter Samuel on Lionel Scaloni's sanction by CONMEBOL:
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 28, 2024
"We got the news today, it was a shock. He is a bit upset about the situation because we consider ourselves a proper coaching staff that in almost 6 years haven’t had this type of sanctions. He wanted to be with the team… pic.twitter.com/atkQAcJYLX
Alongside their captain, Argentina will also be without their manager against Peru, as Lionel Scaloni received a red card for the strangest reason. His side were late to return from their dressing room after half time against Chile, causing the refs to suspend him.
Assistant manager Walter Samuel revealed that the coaching staff were shocked to learn of the decision, given it is the first time it has happened to them. But, they will respect it nonetheless.
Now, it remains to be seen whether the squad is rotated for the final game of the group stage, allowing the first choices to recover for the quarter finals.
Who will Argentina face in the quarter finals?
Group B #1 or #2
