Copa America 2024: Waiting for Messi to return in the quarterfinals

The Argentina team enters the final round of the group stage against Peru at 7:00 a.m. on June 30 without Messi due to his injury, but in the quarterfinals, coach Scaloni may use this star.

HEAD to head E cuador or M exico

After 2 wins in Group A, Argentina has quickly secured a ticket to the quarter-finals and only needs 1 more point against Peru to secure the top spot in the group. Coach Scaloni has decided to change most of the squad in this match but still sets the ultimate goal of winning. In theory, regardless of who plays, Argentina is still expected to earn 3 points quite easily because of their superiority over their opponents.

 

Messi (middle) will rest, avoiding even the smallest risks

AFA

The remaining members of the Argentine team such as reserve goalkeeper Rulli, defender Pezzella, midfielders Palacios, Carboni or young star Garnacho are all highly appreciated. Not to mention, striker Lautaro Martinez (scored 2 goals in 2 matches when coming from the bench) is also likely to start on June 30. If Argentina tops Group A, in the quarterfinals, it will meet the team ranked second in Group B. If it finishes second, it will meet the team ranked top in Group B

In Group B, Venezuela (6 points, already qualified for the quarterfinals) only needs to tie with Jamaica (eliminated) in the final round (7:00, July 1) to be sure of first place. The remaining slot is a duel between Ecuador and Mexico (both have 3 points). The Ecuadorian team has the advantage thanks to the difference of +1 compared to the opponent’s 0, so they only need a draw to advance.

Both Ecuador and Mexico are familiar opponents of the Argentine team. Messi and his teammates have been unbeaten in their last 7 matches against Ecuador (6 wins, 1 draw). Meanwhile, Mexico has lost 4 consecutive matches against Argentina recently.

M essi was ‘lifted like an egg’

According to journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports channel, after the Argentina team arrived in Florida to prepare for the match against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Messi was examined for a thigh injury (he was injured in the win over Chile). 1-0 on June 26). Although there is nothing really to worry about, this 37-year-old player was still allowed to rest by Coach Scaloni and returned home with his family in Miami City (USA). He only returned to training one day before Argentina’s match against Peru but will not play.

Messi is completely rested to be in the best shape to prepare for the quarter-finals. Over the past year, every time he has suffered an injury, no matter how slight, Messi has often had to rest for at least a week or more to recover 100% before returning to the field. More than anyone else, coach Scaloni understands this clearly, so he does not let Messi take even the slightest risk.