Argentina’s national team, fresh off their 1-0 victory over Chile, is facing a potential lineup change for their final Copa América 2024 group stage match against Peru. Lionel Messi, who recently turned 37, is contending with a sore thigh, which he suffered during the match against Chile. Despite the discomfort, Messi played the entire game but acknowledged that rest might be necessary before the quarterfinals. Coach Lionel Scaloni has hinted at giving younger players a chance and resting starters like Messi, with Alejandro Garnacho and Valentín Carboni likely to get playing time. Argentina has already qualified for the next round, leading Group A with six points, ahead of Canada’s three. In an unrelated event, Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez is at the center of controversy for his provocative celebration in front of the Chilean fans after the win. The celebration, which included climbing onto the advertising boards at MetLife Stadium, was met with insults and negative reactions from the crowd. Chile’s next match against Canada will be crucial for their qualification hopes. The situation with Messi’s injury and Martínez’s actions are developing stories as Argentina prepares for their upcoming match and aims to maintain their strong performance in the tournament.
Key points
- Lionel Messi may rest for Argentina’s next match against Peru due to a sore thigh, following their victory over Chile.
- Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni plans to rotate the squad, giving younger players like Alejandro Garnacho and Valentín Carboni a chance to play.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez’s celebration after the Chile match has sparked controversy and negative reactions from fans.
