Argentina has secured a berth in the Copa America quarter-finals. However, jitters surround Lionel Messi’s physical condition.
Lionel Messi toughed out a hamstring niggle to help Argentina trump Chile 1-0 in their recent clash.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez netted a dramatic 88th-minute goal, sending the champs into the quarter-finals early.
Despite not scoring for the second consecutive match, Messi still managed to deliver five key passes and attempted a lone shot with a mere 0.02 xG.
Messi outshone all with his creative play, leading with 18 critical third passes and successfully pulling off seven out of 11 dribbles.
The revelation from Messi about his hamstring agony has thrown a spanner in the works for coach Lionel Scaloni.
“Right at the start, my right hamstring felt tight,” Messi explained. “It wasn’t feeling right, but I pushed through. We’ll see how it progresses.”
Argentina might rest Messi for their last Group A skirmish against Peru, needing only a point to clinch the top spot.
Scaloni assures rotation, “In the upcoming game against Peru, those who’ve sat on the sidelines will get their chance to shine.”
