Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has suggested whether or not Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi will feature in the final group stage game of the Copa America.
The 37-year-old attacker has played every minute of the summer tournament with the reigning Copa America holders, with Messi winning praise for his latest performance against Chile, in which Argentina came out 1-0 winners.
With the FIFA World Cup holders now through to the quarter-finals of the competition, coupled with Messi admitting that he felt something during the win against Chile, there’s a good chance that the forward could be rested for the final group stage game against Peru.
And manager Scaloni has now shared his verdict on if Messi will not feature in the last fixture.
Scaloni hints that Messi will not play for Argentina vs Peru
Speaking to the press after Argentina’s win against Chile, Scaloni strongly hinted that Messi and other key players will be rotated for Saturday’s clash against Peru.
With Argentina essentially group winners given their three-point lead over Canada and their goal difference compared to the North American nation, the reigning world champions can afford to rest Messi.
Indeed, the Inter Miami captain tweaking his hamstring alone should be a reason for Argentina to rest their star attacker, who heading into the quarter-finals will be needed at all costs.
Scaloni said when asked if Messi and others will be rotated against Peru: “The players who have not had a chance to play in the first two games will get their shot. I need to evaluate them, and because they deserve a chance to play.”
Rest will do Messi a world of good for the Copa America knockout stage
Inter Miami have discovered this season that giving Messi rest at any possible chance is worth risking the forward by over-playing him, with the Herons getting more out of the Argentine this year compared to last campaign.
And Argentina will also be aware of this factor, with Messi being rested against Peru something that could help the South American giants big time in their bid to reclaim the Copa America.
Argentina have arguably the best squad in the competition this summer, and replacing Messi with Lautaro Martinez or even 19-year-old Valentin Carboni could see Scaloni’s side claim another three points.