Lionel Messi one foul away from missing Copa America final

Lionel Messi could miss the Copa America final if he gets booked in the semi-final

Argentina’s captain and talisman Lionel Messi could miss the Copa America final if he picks up a booking in the semi-final against Paraguay and Argentina defeat them. The Barcelona ace is the most crucial player forLa Albiceleste and would be very difficult to replace.

He picked up a booking against Colombia in the quarter-finals of the tournament, so if he is yellow-carded in the last four encounter, he will be suspended for the next match, which could either be the final against Chile or the 3rd place play-off against Peru.

Messi, who hadn’t been booked even once in the last 5 years, picked up his first yellow card in a very long time, and that could prove to be very costly for Argentina. Coach Tata Martino would be hoping to withdraw him from the match if the outcome is clear, and in Argentina’s favour.

He is not the only player who is in danger of missing the final, as both Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero are also on a yellow card, and stand to miss the final/ 3rd place play-off if they get booked in the semi-final against Paraguay.

Paraguay themselves have 3 players who will miss the next match if they get booked, in the form of Pablo Aguilar, Osvaldo Martinez, and Bruno Valdez. Coach Ramon Diaz will be hoping that his players do not go over the line in their attempts to contain Argentina and secure their passage to the final.