After Argentina’s gritty 1-0 win over Chile on Tuesday there was a massive sense of satisfaction. It qualified Argentina for the knockout round with one game to spare and they can now approach the match against an outmatched Peru side with more freedom. Or can they?
Lionel Messi’s status was the story of the night. He received treatment during the game and said afterwards he had “felt some discomfort” in his right hamstring, while also revealing he has been dealing with a sore throat and fever in recent days.
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“It was tight,” he added. “It wasn’t as loose as it should’ve been. But I was able to finish the game. We’ll see how it goes.”
According to reports in Argentina, Messi underwent a scan on his right adductor (a muscle in the inner thigh) after the game at MetLife Stadium, with encouraging results.
But with Argentina already guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals — and very likely to top Group A — should Lionel Scaloni risk playing Messi in Miami against Peru on June 29?
What’s at stake?
Argentina were the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals. The team sits at the top of Group A, and it’s likely to remain: Argentina would need to lose against Peru, Canada beat Chile and see a big swing in goal difference for the world champions not to progress as group winners. Argentina’s goal difference is +3 and Canada is on -1.
Argentina will then likely meet Venezuela or Mexico from Group B in the last eight. No matter who they face, though, it makes sense for Scaloni to want to keep Messi in top shape for either of those scenarios, especially when you have very capable players sitting on the sideline.
And let’s not forget there remains the possibility of facing some of the strongest opponents — Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, or the United States — even later in the competition, when games inevitably are tougher and players will need their rest. In Messi’s case, Inter Miami club coach Tata Martino and Scaloni have shown a willingness to give their No. 10 time off when needed.
If Messi does rest this weekend, though, there will be thousands of disappointed fans at Hard Rock Stadium. The match is expected to be one of the more expensive competitions in a predominately Argentinean-American market that also happens to be Messi’s home MLS market. It’s also relatively easy to travel to from South America. Tickets on verified secondary resale sites start at $345 and go up to $770 on Wednesday night.
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What a disaster it would be for some fans if Messi did not get on the field, but not for Argentina’s chances at a repeat title.
Melanie Anzidei
What has Scaloni said?
All week, Scaloni has been pressed by reporters regarding his personnel decisions, particularly in defense and in midfield, and has been consistent in his response: the best players for Argentina’s particular opponents will play. Scaloni hasn’t veered from that stance, giving little away about the changes he could make from match to match. But after the win over Chile, Scaloni was more definitive about who might play against Peru.
“I think it’s fair that those players who haven’t played in the last two matches will play because I need to see them and they deserve it,” he said.
It will be an ideal opportunity for Scaloni to rotate his starting XI and give players such as Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister a deserved rest. Argentina are a deep team, especially in midfield, so we could see some new faces in the middle of the park.
Scaloni has also been asked a lot about two of Argentina’s most promising young prospects: Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, 19, and Valentin Carboni, 19, of Inter Milan (on loan with Monza). Both will likely see the field against Peru.
“It’s possible, but let’s wait and see,” said Scaloni with a smile. “We have more than 10 players on the bench. I haven’t done the accounting yet to see how I can choose the team. But it would be logical for (Garnacho and Carboni) to get some minutes because they’re two kids who are contributing a lot to the team. They’re behaving (like professionals) and they’re watching their teammates compete. That’s a good thing.”
Felipe Cardenas
What do you think will happen and why?
Felipe Cardenas: Peru is among South America’s weakest teams at the moment. They are really struggling to earn results in South America’s World Cup qualifiers (currently winless and in last place after six games), and have looked unimpressive in Copa America matches against Chile (0-0) and Canada (0-1).
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It wouldn’t surprise anybody if Messi is left on the bench and given a brief cameo to appease the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. Peru will play for pride and a remote chance to advance. There’s no need to risk Messi.
The knockout round is fast approaching. If Argentina hopes to repeat as tournament champions, they’ll need their captain to be as fit as possible. Messi was as forthright as ever about his health on Tuesday, which served as a message to Argentina’s staff that he could use a rest.
Melanie Anzidei: Scaloni will do what several of Messi’s past coaches have long done for international friendlies in the United States. Messi will start the game on the bench, and, to satisfy fans, he might be played towards the end of the match if Argentina have a comfortable lead and are dominating play.
I also think he will be subbed onto the pitch alongside soon-to-be-retiring Angel Di Maria – a possible glimpse at what the pair would look like as teammates in Miami? This strategy will serve two purposes: give the older players time to rest at a time when Argentina has little to lose while allowing the next generation of players a real opportunity to show Scaloni what they’re capable of.
I can hear the “We want Messi chants” already.
(Top photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)