Lionel Messi said he hoped his injury scare was “nothing serious” after getting treatment for a problem with his right thigh during Argentina’s 1-0 Cup win over Chile on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With a goal in the 88th minute from substitute Lautaro Martínez, holders Argentina made it to the quarterfinals. It was their second win of the event.
Even so, the world champions would have liked a closer game, and leader Messi needed help from physiotherapists in the first half.
Messi said in the mixed zone after the game, “It’s bothering me a bit, but I was able to finish the match.” It’s not a big deal, I hope. It was tough for me to move around. We’ll find out how I feel tomorrow.”
Even though Messi hit the post in the first half, he still played very well.
“We knew it would be very physical,” he stated. “Every game is rough, and Chile is tough.” They had a lot at stake, but we won, which was our goal, and now we’re in the playoffs.
Argentina is the first team to get out of its group, but it still has one game left. On Saturday, they play Peru in Miami.
“We deserved to win,” said Lionel Scaloni, the coach. “It wasn’t simple. There was no time you thought we would win. The team didn’t give up and kept striking. Argentina should have won because they worked so hard, but it was very tough.
Moving Forward Martinez has scored five goals in his last five games for the national team, including both Copa América games. However, he didn’t play against Chile because Julián Álvarez kept his spot.
Lautaro and Julian can play together,” Scaloni said. “You need to find a balance.” It was Lautaro who scored the goal today. He is the first one who is pleased. I’m the third, and Julian is the second.
“These games are hard.” Martinez said, “We have to keep playing this way, it’s going to be hard.” “[Chile] sat back with a five-man defense, but we’re glad we won in the end.” It makes me feel better. I play for my family, and they suffer, so I’m glad.
To move on to the next round, Chile needs to beat Canada in their last group game. Canada beat Peru 1-0 earlier on Tuesday.
FAQ’s
Q1: Who is most likely to win Copa America 2024?
Answer: Argentina has won their last three international tournaments, and they are thought to have the best chance to win again this summer in the US.
Q2: Has Argentina ever won Copa America?
Answer: Before the World Cup, the Argentine won the Copa América in 2021 by beating Brazil 1-0 at the Maracanã. He also won the gold medal in Beijing by beating Nigeria by a small margin.
Q3: Can Messi win Copa America?
Answer: Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is the clear favorite to win the prize for a record-setting 16th time. After being delayed by Covid, Messi led the Albiceleste to victory at the 2021 Copa América, beating host country Brazil in the final. It was his first big trophy with the national team and the country’s first in 28 years.
Q4: Did Messi won Golden Boot in Copa America?
Answer: Luis Díaz and Messi tied for the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer with 4 goals each. The tournament was held in Brazil and was the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa AméricaTM.
Q5: How many Copa América has Messi lost?
Answer: In the nine years before he retired, Messi led his country to three Copa America games, but they all lost: in 2007, they lost to Brazil, in 2015, they lost to Chile, and again in 2016, they lost to Chile.
