Where is Lionel Messi? Argentina icon missing from starting lineup for Copa America Group A clash with Peru

Argentina's star player Lionel Messi was absent from the starting lineup for their Copa America match against Peru.

Assistant coach Walter Samuel announced Messi's absence prior to the match, which caused suitable anxiety among fans wondering how the reigning world and South American champions would cope without their talisman.

Of course, Argentina have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals after victories against Canada and Chile in their initial matches. A draw in the game against Peru would ensure they finish top of their group, so if there's any game for Messi to sit out, it's probably this one.

The team, as expected, also rested other key players in the match at Hard Rock Stadium, although Samuel emphasized their intent to pursue a victory. But what exactly is going on with Messi, and when is he expected to return?

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Where is Lionel Messi vs. Peru?

Lionel Messi is missing the Argentina vs. Peru Copa America match due to muscle tightness in his right adductor.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Argentina assistant coach Walter Samuel said: "Leo had a problem in the last game and he won't be [playing] in this one. We're going to see how it [the injury] is from day to day."

Messi was not included in the starting lineup against Peru as a result, although somewhat surprisingly he was still named on the substitutes' bench.

🏆 #CopaAmérica

📋 ¡Once inicial confirmado! ⚽

Así formará @Argentina 🇦🇷 para el encuentro ante #Perú 🇵🇪 pic.twitter.com/7AQNnINzfX

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 29, 2024

What is Lionel Messi's injury?

Messi sustained the injury to his adductor — a muscle on the inner thigh — during the Matchday 2 fixture against Chile, which Argentina won 1-0.

In the 25th minute, Messi was fouled by Chile left-back Gabriel Suazo near the touchline. Messi immediately signalled for treatment from the medical staff and received attention for his right adductor muscle while play continued. The team's trainer applied cream to Messi's thigh, possibly to address a muscle knot or similar issue.

Messi had to get some treatment after a hard challenge pic.twitter.com/TUSYzNZPDp

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2024

Argentina played with a man down for a minute or two until Messi returned to the field. There were concerns initially as the Inter Miami forward appeared to struggle and looked uncomfortable for about 10 minutes.

However, he nearly scored in the 36th minute with a powerful left-footed shot that narrowly missed the target, suggesting he was managing the situation.

Despite completing the full 90 minutes, it's evident Messi was dealing with some discomfort or injury concern during the match. As such, he is being rested.

Where is Lionel Scaloni for Copa America clash?

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will also miss his team's final Copa America group match against Peru due to a one-match ban. The disciplinary commission of CONMEBOL suspended Scaloni because Argentina were late returning for the second half in their matches against Canada and Chile.

Scaloni's suspension also means he cannot attend the post-match news conference. This decision follows similar sanctions given to Chile's coach Ricardo Gareca for the same reason. Chile play Canada on Saturday in Orlando.

Despite the setback, Argentina have already secured a place in the knockout stages of the tournament. Assistant coach Walter Samuel will step in for Scaloni, who he said was upset about the situation.

Argentina need only a draw against Peru to ensure they finish first in Group A. The team hope to maintain their strong performance despite the absence of their head coach and star player.

Argentina schedule and results so far at Copa America 2024

Below is the full fixture list for all Argentina matches of the 2024 Copa America.