Argentina assistant coach provides latest Lionel Messi injury update ahead of Copa America 2024 knockout stages
Argentina assistant coach Walter Samuel has provided an update about the fitness of Lionel Messi ahead of the knockout stages of the Copa America 2024. The iconic forward missed his side's 2-0 win over Peru on Saturday (June 29) through injury but is expected to return to action soon.
Messi has been plagued by injuries for much of the last year and in the 1-0 win over Chile on June 25, the 37-year-old revealed that he felt discomfort in his adductor. The discomfort turned out to be an injury that kept him out of the final group game against Peru, despite him being named on the bench.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni was suspended from the Peru game since Argentina were late to return for the second half against Canada and Chile. Thus, assistant coach and former international Walter Samuel carried out the media duties after the game. When asked about Messi, he revealed that the Inter Miami star is improving but asked for patience for the forward to make a full recovery under the watchful eyes of the doctors.
"He was in the locker room, we noticed him better. The situation is improving but it's a few days and the situation is premature to talk about. We'll talk about it on a day-to-day basis with him, and talk to the doctors," Samuel said (via ESPN).
Lionel Messi failed to score for Argentina in their first two games at the Copa America before missing the third through injury. The veteran forward provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Canada and will look to add his name to the scoresheet if he does return in time for the quarterfinals.
No Lionel Messi, no problem for Argentina in Copa America win over Peru
With talismanic captain Lionel Messi ruled out and coach Lionel Scaloni suspended, there were doubts about whether Argentina could be at their best against Peru. La Albiceleste responded emphatically, claiming a comfortable 2-0 win to finish the group stage with a 100% record.
Inter Milan striker and 2023-24 Serie A Capocannoniere winner Lautaro Martinez continued his brilliant form by opening the scoring just two minutes into the second half. The striker took his tally for the tournament to four goals with a second of the match in the 86th minute to wrap up the win.
Lionel Messi was with the substitutes on the bench to support his teammates despite being unavailable. Argentina did not concede a single goal in the group stage. La Albiceleste will face either Ecuador or Mexico in the quarterfinals of the tournament on July 4.