In an exciting updates for football fans the Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player and skipper Lionel Messi will take the field in the Argentina vs Canada match in the semifinal clash of the ongoing 2024 Copa America despite suffering from a leg injury. This news has sent waves of relief and excitement through Argentina's fanbase as they look forward to seeing their legendary player lead the team once again.
Messi's injury concerns emerged when he sat out Argentina’s final group game of the tournament against Peru, which they won 2-0 at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, June 30 (Philippine Standard Time). Messi appeared to injure his right thigh and had to undergo treatment on the sidelines during the first half of the match against Chile. Despite this, the 37-year-old played the full 90 minutes but confirmed after the game that he felt discomfort in his right hamstring.
Messi's resilience and determination were evident as he played the entire quarterfinal clash against Ecuador, which Argentina won via a penalty shootout. However, Messi did not have the best of games by his high standards, missing the first penalty of the shootout after attempting a Panenka that hit the crossbar.
“Leo is doing okay and tomorrow he is going to be playing, he’s going to be on the field. It’s a very easy call for me because it’s a very honest discussion. I sit with him and say, ‘How are you doing? If he says I’m okay, then you play. I have made it clear from Day 1 that when he is up for the match, he will always play, there is no question about that. Who could ever hesitate? Not me, at least,” Scaloni said in a pre-match press conference.
Scaloni’s confidence in Messi's ability, even when not fully fit, is unwavering. “It’s up to me to decide and when I see he’s in good condition - even if he’s not 100% - he will still play and I take full responsibility for that. I mean, there is no doubt in my mind. That’s never been a difficult decision for me because I know everything he can give. Even when he is not at his best, he still has a lot to give. So I would never make the serious mistake of not making him a starter when I know that he has a lot to give. So that’s not up for discussion,” he added.
🇦🇷🗣 "MESSI ESTÁ PARA JUGAR, SIN DUDA"
— Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) July 8, 2024
▶ Lionel Scaloni habló sobre el estado físico de Lionel Messi en vistas a la semifinal de la Copa América 2024 ante Canadá. "Es una decisión muy fácil para mí", sentenció el DT. pic.twitter.com/dFUnnf3Zoj
The football icon has struggled in front of goal in the tournament, failing to score from open play thus far. Despite this, Messi remains a critical asset to Argentina's campaign. He has currently scored 13 goals in the Copa America and needs four more to tie with the current leaders, Argentina’s Norberto Mendez and Brazil's Zizinho, who have each netted 17 goals.
Messi's contributions go beyond just scoring. His vision, passing, and leadership on the field provide Argentina with a significant advantage, even when he is not at his peak performance. His presence alone boosts the morale of his teammates and intimidates opponents, making him an indispensable part of the squad.
If Argentina wins the Copa America title once again, they will become the first team in South American history to win three consecutive major tournaments. They clinched the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, a feat that only Spain has achieved in recent history by winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012.
Currently tied with Uruguay with 15 Copa America title wins, Argentina is determined to add a record 16th to their trophy cabinet. Achieving this would not only be a monumental accomplishment for the team but also a fitting tribute to Messi's illustrious career.
The semifinal clash between Argentina and Canada will take place on Wednesday, July 10 (Philippine Standard Time), at the MetLife Stadium. Canada, who have made a surprising run in the tournament, will face a formidable challenge in trying to stop an Argentina team driven by history and the desire to win for their captain.
Despite Canada's impressive performances, Argentina remains the favorite, especially with Messi on the field. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final.
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