Is Lionel Messi playing for Argentina against Peru at the 2024 Copa America tomorrow?

Lionel Messi is set to miss Argentina's final group-stage match at the 2024 Copa America against Peru on Saturday, June 29, at the Hard Rock Stadium. The defending champions have already secured qualification to the knockout stages following two wins from two games in Group A.

According to ESPN, Messi picked up a knock in Argentina's previous group game against Chile but still played through the pain for the full 90 minutes. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, however, did not make a single goalscoring contribution on that occasion, with Lautaro Martinez netting a late winner.

Argentina's assistant coach Walter Samuel confirmed Lionel Messi's absence for their game against Peru. He was quoted as saying the following (via ESPN):

"Leo had a problem in the last game and he won't be in this game. We are going to see how it is day by day to await his evolution."

Following their game against Chile, Messi himself stated that he felt some trouble with his hamstring but was able to play the game. However, from his words, it does not seem like a serious injury which could keep him out for a long period of time.

Lionel Messi was quoted as saying the following:

"I felt some discomfort in my right hamstring at the beginning of the game. It was tight. It wasn't as loose as it should've been. But I was able to finish the game. We'll see how it goes. In the first play, my adductor got hard. I didn't feel a puncture or a tear, but I did find it difficult to move freely."

Lionel Messi will play a big role in Argentina's chances at the 2024 Copa America. La Albiceleste, however, will have to do without their star forward on Saturday against Peru.

The three-time world champions, however, have a plethora of attacking options to choose from who can spearhead their attack. The likes of Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria and the aforementioned Martinez are all capable of scoring crucial goals.

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Argentina skipper Lionel Messi is yet to score a goal at the 2024 Copa America

Lionel Messi has played a crucial role in guiding his nation to the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup titles. The Inter Miami superstar, however, is still to score a goal at this year's tournament but has been a vital member in the two wins.

Messi provided an assist in the opening game of the tournament against Canada where his side secured an assist in a 2-0 victory. That happens to be his only goalscoring position in this tournament so far.

The previous edition of the Copa America was a great tournament as far as the Argentina skipper is concerned. Messi contributed four goals and five assists as he won his first international trophy in his illustrious career.