During the clash with Chile , Messi was taken off in the first half due to discomfort in his right hamstring after a tackle by Gabriel Suazo. After the match, Messi confirmed that he was not 100% fit and that this had affected his performance.

According to ESPN, Messi will be rested by head coach Lionel Scaloni for the next match against Peru. To determine the severity of the injury, the 37-year-old striker will undergo more specific tests.

In his post-match interview, Messi said: “I felt a little discomfort in my right hamstring at the start of the match. It was very tight, I couldn’t relax like normal, but I was able to finish the match. We’ll see how it goes.”

Messi can still play the second half of the match against Chile despite being injured

Following Messi’s injury, Scaloni announced a number of changes to his starting line-up for the Peru game. He wanted to give the younger players a chance to gain experience, saying: “We are happy and will give the young players a chance. I think it is fair to put on players who have not played much.”

Several players who have not played in the tournament are expected to feature against Peru. Exequiel Palacios, Guido Rodriguez, Valentin Carboni and Alejandro Garnacho, who all played in pre-Copa America friendlies against Guatemala and Ecuador, are likely to be given a chance. Garnacho in particular is expected to be one of the players to watch in the upcoming match.

Argentina’s position at the moment allows Scaloni the flexibility to rest key players. Victory over Chile has secured a place in the quarter-finals, with Argentina having won both of their group games so far. As defending champions, they are almost certain to top Group A regardless of the result against Peru.