The captain will undergo studies in the next few hours, but there is optimism in the delegation regarding his recovery in the face of what is to come.

The victory of the Argentine team against Chile meant their tenth match without losing in the Copa América since that loss against Brazil in the 2019 semifinals. Throughout that streak, they accumulated eight wins and two draws , numbers that cause greater excitement in the challenge of repeating the 2021 crown obtained against Scratch at the Maracaná . However, these issues were put on the back burner after the 1-0 victory against La Roja in the United States , due to concerns raised about Lionel Messi ‘s physical condition .

The best player in the world touched his right adductor at different times in the first half and even required medical assistance after an infringement by Gabriel Suazo in midfield. His departure to face the second 45 minutes represented a sign of tranquility for the fans and the classification to the quarterfinals with a date in advance will make it possible to give the 10 a rest so that he can reach the decisive match optimally .

In a press conference, coach Lionel Scaloni had raised doubts about how the figure was feeling and mentioned the final play of the match: “ I didn’t speak with Leo after the game . He ended up playing. He did the race with Ángel (Di María) and Lautaro (Martínez) for 50 meters and it is the last image I have. “I can’t say more because I didn’t see them.” Beyond these sensations, Infobae was able to confirm that studies will be carried out as a precaution between this Wednesday and Thursday in Miami due to the physical discomfort in the affected area .

The Albiceleste delegation is optimistic about Messi’s recovery. It should be remembered that Leo also experienced a fever prior to the match for the second date of Group A , but it was very mild. This helped him to be able to complete the 90 minutes at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.

The results of the analyzes will mark the steps to follow to focus on his set-up, although a decision has already been made: it is most likely that he will not play the match on the last day of the zone against Peru , this Saturday from 9 p.m. the Hard Rock Stadium , in order to preserve it and reach the quarterfinals without rushing. If Argentina finishes first in its group, it would play again on Thursday, July 4 in Houston. If she finishes second, she will do so on Friday the 5th in Arlington, Texas.

The hunch is that he will be able to return on that date without a problem and there are a series of positive signs that go in that direction. The fact of having completed the commitment is added to his good spirits to attend to multiple media in the mixed zone after the National Team match. There, he defined how he felt: “ What do I know? I ended up playing. It bothers me a little. I hope it is the inconvenience and that it is nothing serious .”

Another detail that was not overlooked was his smiling face as he eagerly received a gift from a group of journalists, who gave him a characteristic red shirt of the Chicago Bulls, which had the number used by Michael Jordan and the name of the basketball emblem .

This happened days after confessing his admiration for who marked the history of the NBA . Messi had expressed it in an interview for the YouTube channel , Clank! : “ It seems to me, on a sporting level, to be the grossest thing there is. After having seen his series and knowing a little more, it is impressive. That brought me much closer and to know more about what he was and it is a shame that he was not able to live that time. I would have loved to see it live. The truth is that I don’t know much about basketball nor am I a big fan, but I think it was something different in all sports, not just basketball. It is a very great admiration… they asked me for so many photos, and having one with him would be really nice .”

His departure from the team will not be the only one for the match against Peru because Scaloni has already confirmed that there will be a rotation: “ We are satisfied because now we will be able to enjoy a few days and make the boys who also deserve it play. For the next game, the fair thing, and I think it will be that way, is for the boys who have not played these two games to play, because I need to see them and they deserve it.” They will secure first place in the group if they at least tie or even if they lose and Canada does not beat Chile .