By Sergio Silva
08 Jul 2024, 20:48 PM EDT
The technical director of the Argentine National Team, Lionel Scaloni, came out to clarify the current situation of Lionel Messi and assured that the Argentine captain will be present at the match against Canada this Tuesday corresponding to the semifinals of the Copa América United States 2024.
At Monday’s press conference, the Argentine coach highlighted the importance of the Albiceleste’s ’10’ despite his discreet contribution to the victory over Ecuador in the penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the championship, which is why it had been speculated that he was not at full fitness.
“Messi is fine, he is a key player for us, that is enough. Leo is fine and we are calm, tomorrow (Tuesday) he will be part of the Cup”commented Lionel Scaloni, clarifying that Messi has fully recovered from an adductor injury.
The Argentine star missed the match against the Peruvians at the end of the group stage due to that injury and only returned for the duel against the Ecuadorians in which he did not have his best performance, even failing in his execution in the penalty shootout after the draw (1-1) in the 90th minute.
Asked about a hypothetical scenario in which the Argentine captain was not fit to play but asked to be part of the starting team, Lionel Scaloni clarified that he has not yet been in a similar situation although he is clear about what would end up happening.
“It’s very easy because 99% of the time he’s ready to play. It’s never happened to me that he’s not ready to play. It’s a very easy decision for me. It’s very frank. I sit down with him and we talk about it. If he’s fit, he always plays.”said the strategist who won the world title in Qatar 2022.
“There is no doubt. Who would doubt it? I will never have any doubts. It will never weigh on me, because I know what he can give us even without optimal conditions. It is indisputable.”emphasized Scaloni, who also seemed calm about the possibility of putting Messi on the field alongside Ángel Di María.
“They have already played together and played well. That is the peace of mind we have. The team did well with them and without them.”said the technical director who did not reveal whether both players would start against the Canadian team, whom they already faced in this 2024 Copa América.
Tuesday’s semi-final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will be the second match between the two teams, who have already faced each other in the opening match in which the Albiceleste won 2-0 to open Group A action in which they finished first and second, respectively.
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