Lionel Scaloni provides update on whether Lionel Messi will be in Argentina's starting line-up vs Canada in the Copa America semi-final

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has insisted Lionel Messi will be fit to face Canada in the Copa America 2024 semi-finals against Canada on Tuesday, July 9. The legendary forward's fitness has been in question since he missed La Albiceleste's last group-stage game against Peru. He played in the quarter-final clash against Ecuador, and Scaloni has now given him a clean bill of health.

Messi, who recently turned 37 years old, will want to help his country successfully retain their Copa America crown.

Scaloni believes the Inter Miami superstar will have a chance to help Argentina continue their march towards glory against Canada and confirmed the star player's availability in his pre-match statements.

"Messi is fine, he ended the game without any discomfort. He will start tomorrow. Yes, [Messi and Di Maria starting together] that is a possibility," he stated.

Despite his fine form at club level that saw him bag 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 games across competitions for Inter Miami, Messi is yet to find the back of the net at Copa America. The Barcelona legend has one assist in three games so far in the tournament.

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Lionel Messi was angry after penalty shootout miss against Ecuador in Copa America quarter-finals

Lionel Messi stated he was angry after he missed the opening spot kick in Argentina's Copa America 2024 quarter-final penalty shootout win over Ecuador.

After a 1-1 draw, the match headed into a penalty shootout. Although the diminutive Argentine missed from the spot, the defending champions won 4-2 on penalties.

Messi revealed to the press that he was left annoyed with his miss, saying (via Fotmob):

"I was very angry, I was convinced that I would take it like that. I had spoken with Dibu (Martinez), with (Geronimo) Rulli, I had taken a couple of penalties. I hadn't practiced, but I spoke with them."

"I had been taking several cross-shots, in fact the goalkeeper dived for a cross-shot, I tried to touch it and it went high," he added.

Lionel Scaloni, however, refused to blame the legendary forward, saying (via Fotmob):

"He played like the rest of the team, we are a team. This is a team, if the team played well, he played well. We have never separated the individual from the collective."