2024 Copa America: Lionel Messi to miss Argentina’s final Group match against Peru

In a significant setback for Argentina, star forward Lionel Messi will miss the crucial final group stage match against Peru due to a muscle injury.

Messi, who felt discomfort during the previous game against Chile, underwent medical examinations upon the team’s arrival in Miami.

The tests confirmed a muscle strain, ruling him out for at least one match.

Assistant coach Walter Samuel confirmed the news during a press conference on Friday: “Leo (Messi) had a problem in the last game and he won’t be there. We will see how he progresses day by day.”

This development leaves Argentina without their talisman as they conclude their group stage fixtures.

Argentina, already assured of a place in the Copa America quarter-finals, now faces uncertainty regarding Messi’s availability for the knockout rounds.

The team’s performance in the final group match will determine their position in the standings, influencing the schedule for the quarter-finals.

The hope is that Messi will recover in time to lead the Albiceleste in the next phase of the tournament.

Argentina’s medical staff will continue to monitor Messi’s condition closely, aiming to ensure his readiness for the critical stages of the competition.

Meanwhile, the rest of the squad will need to step up in Messi’s absence, hoping to secure a favourable position for the quarter-finals and beyond.