As Argentina named their closing beginning XI for the group stage of Copa America to face Peru, there is a acquainted identify lacking in Lionel Messi. The Argentine quantity 10 was a doubt for the match with a hamstring harm however Lionel Scaloni was already planning heavy rotation because of already advancing to the knockout levels with Messi being positioned on the bench.
Following Argentina’s victory over Chile, Messi mentioned that he felt a problem together with his hamstring within the first half however acquired remedy in the course of the break to proceed on within the match. With just one help in two matches began, Messi has had a slower-than-expected begin to Copa America however that hasn’t slowed La Albiceleste down from profitable their opening two matches whereas not conceding a purpose.
“I felt some discomfort in my proper hamstring firstly of the sport. It was tight. It wasn’t as unfastened because it ought to’ve been. However I used to be in a position to end the sport. We’ll see the way it goes,” Messi mentioned following the match on Tuesday. “Within the first play, my adductor acquired arduous. I did not really feel a puncture or a tear, however I did discover it troublesome to maneuver freely.”
Alejandro Garnacho and Giovani Lo Celso are two gamers who shall be leaned upon to get previous Peru as they obtain their first begins on this Copa America. Garnacho is a rising star at solely 19 with Manchester United and he’ll be one of many subsequent gamers as much as lead Argentina on the wing. Lo Celso has gained a robust function within the Argentina workforce as a inventive drive over the previous few tournaments however with out Messi, he’ll be one of many largest inventive retailers on the pitch for La Albiceleste.
Argentina Lineup
XI: Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho
When will Messi return to the beginning lineup?
It is robust to evaluate when Messi will return to the pitch for Argentina as a starter. He is presently listed as day-to-day however it’s a constructive that he was in a position to play after receiving remedy in opposition to Chile and equally constructive he made the bench for this Peru conflict. Relying on who Argentina will get within the quarterfinals of Copa America, it might be in Argentina’s greatest curiosity to relaxation Messi once more however that is additionally when leaving him out turns into a danger. Argentina do have loads of depth to win matches with out Messi however they want to have their talisman again on the pitch as quickly as potential.