Argentina is without Messi in the match against Peru in Copa America 2024

Lionel Messi was injured in the 1-0 victory over Chile and will not be able to play in the final match of Group A Copa America 2024 against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, USA) on June 30.

In the match against Chile on June 26, Messi was injured in the first half and had to be treated on the sidelines. The 37-year-old later confirmed that he felt discomfort in his right hamstring but was able to continue playing.

Messi suffered a hamstring injury during the match against Chile (Photo: Getty)

However, the Argentine star stayed at the hotel and did not participate in training with his teammates to prepare for the match against Peru.

“I felt a little discomfort in my right hamstring at the start of the game against Chile. It was tight but not too serious. I played the full 90 minutes in that game. We’ll see how it goes.

In the first half, my adductor muscle was stiff. I didn’t feel punctured or torn, but I found it difficult to move freely,” Lionel Messi said about his injury after the match against Chile.

Messi’s injury has Argentina worried about their upcoming Copa America campaign in the US. Coach Lionel Scaloni has been given an update on the Inter Miami star’s condition and confirmed that Messi will miss Argentina’s next match against Peru.

“Yes, he played the full 90 minutes against Chile, but his leg is having problems. I hope it’s nothing too serious. He can rest for the next match against Peru, especially That’s when Argentina is certain to reach the quarterfinals,” coach Scaloni said.

The Argentina coach added that he will make a few changes to the squad for the match against Peru and that is an opportunity for young players to play and have a chance to compete in a big tournament.

“We are satisfied with what we have shown and we can let the pillars of the team rest to give the young players a chance. I think it is fair to let the young players have a chance to play,” said coach Lionel Scaloni.

Exequiel Palacios, Guido Rodríguez, Valentin Carboni and Alejandro Garnacho have yet to feature for Argentina in their opening two games in the United States, although they have participated in pre-Copa America friendlies against Guatemala and Ecuador.

Manchester United midfielder Garnacho is among the players likely to feature for Argentina against Peru, sources say .

The victory over Chile guaranteed La Albiceleste a place in the knockout stages of the tournament. Argentina does not need to depend on the result of the match with Peru because they are almost certain to hold the top spot in Group A thanks to two victories over Canada and Chile.

The final match of Group A Copa America 2024 between Argentina and Peru will take place at 7:00 a.m. on June 30 at Hard Rock Stadium (Minami, USA).