Messi to Miss Argentina's Final Copa America Group Game Due to Muscle Tightness

Lionel Messi, the talismanic captain of Argentina, will miss the team's final Copa America group game against Peru due to muscle tightness. The news was confirmed by assistant coach Walter Samuel, who stated that Messi is being monitored on a "day-by-day" basis.

Messi experienced discomfort in his right adductor muscle during Argentina's previous match. Samuel emphasized that the team is not overly concerned about Messi's absence, as they have proven capable of performing well without him in the past.

"The team has always shown that they can rise to the occasion when he's not there," Samuel said.

Argentina has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals after victories over Canada and Chile. A draw against Peru on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami would ensure their qualification as group winners.

Despite Messi's absence, Samuel insisted that Argentina will field a strong team against Peru. "Peru has top players; we are taking this game with the utmost seriousness," he said.

Samuel will be in charge on the bench as head coach Lionel Scaloni serves a one-game suspension for the team's tardiness in emerging for the second half in their previous matches. Scaloni expressed disappointment over the suspension, stating that he and his coaching staff have always maintained a high level of professionalism.

Argentina is expected to rest several key players against Peru, but Samuel emphasized that the team will still aim for a win. "We want to finish the group stage on a high note," he said.

Tags: #LionelMessi, #CopaAmerica, #Argentina, #MuscleTightness, #WalterSamuel