Argentina marched on against Group A rivals Chile but it was Lionel Messi who remained the talking point of the match. The skipper gave an injury scare during his side’s narrow victory in Matchday 2 of the ongoing Copa America. While it became intuitive that Messi would miss the match against Peru, there is a positive update regarding his injury.

Following the match, it was reported that La Pulga would be sent for some medical tests to determine the exact cause of his distress. Well, as per the report from Ole and as compiled by @FCBAlbiceleste on X, the post-match examinations using an ultrasound machine did not reveal any muscle injury in Messi. This news comes as a huge relief for Argentina as well as his ardent supporters as the 37-year-old won’t be required to undergo additional tests.  

During the post-match press conference, Lionel Scaloni was also unaware of Messi’s injury, stating he had not spoken to the No. 10. Notably, the incident occurred around the 23rd minute when the Inter Miami star attempted a backward pass near the sidelines and was pushed strongly by Chilean left-back Gabriel Suazo. Although the challenge was deemed fair, the Barcelona icon’s right leg adductor made significant contact with Suazo’s knees, causing him some discomfort.

He quickly received medical attention from the team’s medics, and the former PSG player continued the remainder of the match. Likewise, he didn’t make the scoresheet as Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for La Albiceleste. Perhaps with a positive update on his injury front, he can break his Copa America deadlock in the next match. However, despite being deemed fit, Messi won’t play in Argentina vs Peru!

Lionel Scaloni might bench Lionel Messi for Argentina vs Peru

During the post-match presser, Lionel Scaloni hinted that for Argentina’s final group stage game against Peru, he may bench a few big names and give a chance to other names. “Against Peru, the guys who didn’t get minutes in these matches (Canada and Chile) will play,” he said. It is, after all, a pragmatic approach from Scaloni. A win, lose, or draw doesn’t matter as the World Champions have already progressed through the next round of the competition with victories over Canada and Chile.

Hence, most likely, Messi will be seen on the bench for the Peru clash. Even though he is fit for the clash, a rest can help him recover much better. The Argentine captain himself revealed that he played the matches following a sore throat and fever. Also, after the Chile clash, he remarked, “I felt discomfort in my right hamstring at the beginning of the game. It was tight…wasn’t as loose as it should have been. But I was able to finish the game.” Hence, it’s better for Lionel Messi to remain in snooze mode for the Peru clash.