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Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has been confirmed as a starter for their Copa America semi-final clash against Canada at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, July 9. The defending champions are unbeaten in the ongoing edition, having overcome a spirited Ecuador side on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals.
The diminutive Agentine was seen limping and holding his thigh in La Albiceleste's 1-0 win over Chile in their second group-stage game. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni took no risks, deciding to rest the forward for their final Group A match against Peru.
Although Messi played the full 90 minutes against Ecuador, he didn't have much of an impact on the game. He also missed his side's first penalty in the shootout, with his attempted Panenka penalty hitting the crossbar and going over.
The Inter Miami forward assisted Lautaro Martinez's goal against Canada (2-0) in Argentina's opening game of the tournament but is yet to open his goalscoring account. Martinez (four goals), Julian Alvarez, and Lisandro Martinez (one each) are the only players to have scored for Argentina so far.
"I wouldn't make the grave mistake" - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirms Lionel Messi's presence in starting lineup against Canada
Despite the concerns, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has remained firm in his decision to play Lionel Messi whenever he is available. At a press conference before the semi-final against Canada, the 46-year-old said (via GOAL):
"For (Canada), he's (Messi's) fit to play, without a doubt. It's a very easy decision for me... When he's fit, he always plays. I'm the one who decides and when I see that he's fit to play, even if he's not 100 percent fit, he's going to play. I take responsibility for that but I have no doubts."
"I know what he can give us even if he's not in optimal condition, I wouldn't make the grave mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing that he gives us a lot, so that's indisputable," Scaloni concluded.
The Barcelona legend is the most prolific player in Argentine history, with 108 goals and 58 assists in 185 games for the national side. Scaloni will be hoping for some more magic from the talismanic forward to help his side defend the Copa America title they lifted three years ago.
