Messi Fit to Play in Argentina's Copa America Semi-Final

Argentina's hopes of retaining the Copa America title received a significant boost as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that talisman Lionel Messi is fit to play in the semi-final clash against Canada.

Messi, who missed Argentina's final group stage match due to a thigh issue, returned to action in the quarter-final victory over Ecuador, playing the full 90 minutes. Despite missing a penalty in the shootout, Messi's presence on the field was a major factor in Argentina's triumph.

Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi's fitness, stating, "99 per cent of the time, [Messi] is fit to play. It's never happened to me that he's not fit to play. Every time he's come out on the pitch, he's fit to play. For [Canada], he's fit to play, without a doubt."

The coach acknowledged Messi's ability to make a difference even when not fully fit. "When he's fit, he always plays. There are no doubts. Who would have any doubts? I'm the coach, so I have no doubts. I'm the one who decides, and when I see that he's fit to play, even if he's not 100 per cent fit, he's going to play. I take responsibility for that, but I have no doubts," Scaloni said.

Argentina, who are unbeaten in the tournament, are just two games away from defending their crown. They will face Canada on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium. A victory over Canada would mark Argentina's fourth final appearance in five tournaments.

Tags: #CopaAmerica, #LionelMessi, #Argentina, #Canada, #Football