Everything is still going according to plan for Argentina, as they finished the 2024 Copa America group stage with a winning record and top spot. But one thing is still worrying the Albiceleste: Lionel Messi’s injury…
Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina still defeated Peru 2-0 thanks to a double from Lautaro Martinez , to close the group stage with an absolute record. However, coach Lionel Scaloni and his team understand that they still need the miracle from Leo’s feet to conquer the peak at Copa America 2024. But for the upcoming quarter-final match against Ecuador, Messi’s ability to play is still uncertain.
The superstar, who just turned 37 years old on June 24, started this year’s Copa America campaign quite impressively, with an assist to help Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the opening match. In the next match against Chile, he was hurt at the beginning of the match but continued to play the full 90 minutes. Test results later showed that Messi had a right leg adductor strain, and he was let off in the final group match against Peru.
The good news for the Argentine is that it is not a muscle tear. But even if it is not serious, an injury of this type still takes about 2 weeks to recover. In fact, in recent days, Messi has not trained with his teammates, but has only been doing exercises in the gym, combined with physical therapy.
Obviously, coach Scaloni will not want to risk his most important player. Therefore, Messi will most likely continue to sit on the bench in the quarter-final match against Ecuador. Even if Argentina plays well against this opponent, he will not need to play and will be “saved” for the semi-final match against the winner of the Venezuela vs Canada match.
Of course, in an emergency situation, Messi can still play against Ecuador. Because as assistant Walter Samuel commented, Leo “is feeling better” after a few days of injury. And as long as Messi appears on the field, even just to… walk, the opponent will have to be very wary.
Argentina adapts to the absence of Messi
That is the comment of Argentina assistant Walter Samuel about the possibility of Messi continuing to sit out in the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals with Ecuador. Speaking after the victory over Peru in the final round of the group stage, the former midfielder said: “When Leo is not present, we have to change the way we play a bit.” However, Samuel confirmed that the change is “not much” and that the Albiceleste is still “constantly adjusting during the match”.
