Argentina has confirmed their quarter-final spot in Copa America with their 1-0 win over Chile in their second game of the group stage. The defending champions were able to escape with three points against one of the toughest South American sides.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to bail out Argentina with a goal in the 88th minute. The defending champions became the first team to book their passage into the quarter-finals of the summer tournament.
But the talking point was once again Lionel Messi when he gave manager Lionel Scaloni an injury scare in the first half of the tie.
Is Messi’s injury against Chile a big concern?
In the first half of the tie, Messi had his share of collisions with Chile players but the Inter Miami star appeared to be in discomfort around the 23rd minute of the match. The 37-year-old was playing a backward pass when Chile defender Gabriel Suazo gave a strong dash to the forward, ultimately pinning him down.
The Inter Miami star was off to the sidelines after Messi made contact with Suazo’s knees on his upper right leg area. The former Barcelona star was receiving treatment from the medical staff and was back in action within minutes.
Scaloni said: “I did not communicate with Messi at the time, but he played until the end.”
Post-game, the medical staff would undergo a test on Messi’s right leg to know the exact reason for discomfort and try to avoid any potential injury. Messi missed six games in the MLS this season due to muscle injuries.
He also missed Argentina’s March international friendlies in the United States due to a hamstring injury but managed to recover in time for Copa America 2024.
Also Read: Argentina vs Chile player ratings: Lautaro Martinez seals late win against Chile