Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni was officially eliminated. Argentinafinal group stage match of Copa America 2024 against Peru on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
“Leo had problems in the last match and he will not participate in this match. We will take it day by day to see how he progresses,” confirmed Argentina assistant Walter Samuel.
The striker revealed his injury after Tuesday’s win over Chile, explaining his decision to play through the pain for 90 minutes despite not being “100 per cent”. But after undergoing tests, La Albiceleste’s coaching staff decided to bench the player.
“I felt a little discomfort in my right hamstring at the start of the match. It was tight. It wasn’t as loose as it should have been. But I was able to finish the match. We’ll see how it goes.” How is it?” Messi shared in an interview after the match.
“During the first play, my adductor muscles were stiff. I didn’t feel any punctures or tears, but I found it difficult to move freely.”
He will be monitored on a daily basis and is expected to return to the knockout stages as Argentina have qualified for the next stage of the competition.
Argentina coach Scaloni Good Swill will also miss the match against Peru after being suspended by CONMEBOL for returning to the field late after halftime.
South American football’s governing body accused Argentina of violating articles 104 and 145 of the Copa America rules, which stipulate that teams must be on the field on time for kick-off after halftime.
According to CONMEBOL, “If a team’s player appears on the field later than the scheduled time for the start or resumption of play, or fails to comply with the instructions of the referee or match official, the association responsible may be sanctioned by the CONMEBOL disciplinary body with a warning for the first offence and a fine for the second or subsequent offences.”
The sanctions against La Albiceleste also include a $15,000 fine.
“He [Scaloni] A bit bitter about the situation because we consider ourselves a proper coaching staff. In the past six years, we have almost never encountered this type of punishment. But it’s normal for him to be bitter, he wants to be with the team tomorrow,” Samuel added.
Chile Coach Ricardo Gareca was also suspended for his delay in returning to the field.
Chilean assistant coach Sergio said: “Ricardo was on his way to the press conference when we received CONMEBOL’s official announcement about the suspension of one match. He went back to the hotel and we tried to resolve that issue, that’s why we’re here.” Santín at the pre-match press conference.
Argentina announced that they will approach this match with great focus and determination despite their absence, rotating players to observe those who do not have minutes to play.
