Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted to playing with some “embarrassment” during the narrow victory over Chile at the 2024 Copa América.
Lautaro Martinez’s late goal ensured the defending champions came away with all three points against Chile in their second Copa América 2024 group match on Wednesday. With back-to-back wins against Canada and Chile, Albiceleste became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage.
In the euphoria of qualifying for the round of 16, the world champions were hit by the worrying news of Messi’s injury. The Inter Miami star confirmed after the match that although he played the full 90 minutes, he felt some “discomfort” during the match. The 37-year-old was also seen receiving treatment from medical staff after being violently attacked by Chilean Gabriel Suazo.
Messi will be put to rest
Speaking to reporters after the match, the former FC Barcelona star said: “ I felt some discomfort in my right hamstring at the start of the match. It was tense. It wasn’t as flexible as it should have been. But I was able to finish the match. We’ll see what happens. »
Having already secured his qualification for the quarter-finals, Scaloni could consider resting his captain for Argentina’s final group match against Peru, which takes place on Saturday. During the post-match press conference, the coach declared : “Against Peru, the guys who did not have playing time during these matches (Canada and Chile) will play”.
