Argentina vs Peru: Why is Lionel Messi not Playing vs Peru Today in Copa America 2024?

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Argentina are set to play their final Copa America 2024 group stage match against Peru on Saturday (June 29).

After two wins in two matches, the defending champions are flying as they have 6 points. The first match resulted in a 2-0 victory over Canada, whereas it was another 1-0 win over Chile in the last match.

As Los Albicelestes play Peru in the crucial encounter, the onus will be to finish on top of Group A with a victory. Argentina has looked like a well-oiled machine so far, but a significant part of their zigsaw is set to miss the Peru clash.

Lionel Messi, the talisman of the team, is set to miss the match against Peru today. The 36-year-old did magnificently well in the first two matches but will not play any part on Saturday as they clash with the Peruvians.

Copa America 2024: Why is Lionel Messi not playing vs Peru?

Argentina has already qualified for the quarterfinals. Hence the team management is looking to rotate a few players in the lineup for the upcoming match. But Lionel Messi will be missing due to an injury, which is a cause for concern. The Argentina captain sustained a groin problem and that will keep him out of his match.

"Leo had a [groin] problem in the last game and, in this one, he will not be there," Argentina assistant coach Walter Samuel said in the pre-match press conference.

Will Lionel Messi play in the upcoming matches?

The severity of Lionel Messi's injury is not yet known. Although the expectations are there for him to return, Walter Samuel confirmed that they will assess the injury every day and only then can come to a conclusion. Messi is a monumental force for Argentina and his availability will be crucial for Los Albicelestes in this campaign. Argentina are likely to face either Ecuador or Mexico in the quarterfinals.