Argentina’s Messi Ready for Semi-Final Against Canada

Argentina received a major boost ahead of their Copa America semi-final clash against Canada as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that captain Lionel Messi is fit to play despite hamstring injury concerns.

After missing Argentina’s final group stage due to a thigh complaint, Messi returned to the field in their quarter-final triumph against Ecuador. He played 90 minutes, and the game went to penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Messi missing his spot kick.

Scaloni said in a pre-match press conference, “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. It’s a very easy decision for me because it’s a very frank decision: if he’s fine, he plays, and if he’s not fine, he plays the last 30 minutes. It’s that easy.”

Scaloni acknowledged Messi’s contribution even when not fully fit, stating, “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. It’s true that that won’t ever weigh on me. I know what he can give us even if he’s not in optimal condition, and I wouldn’t make the grave mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing that he gives us a lot, so that’s indisputable.”

Argentina are unbeaten in the tournament and are just two games away from defending their crown. Argentina will face Canada on Tuesday (local time) at MetLife Stadium. If La Albiceleste defeats Canada in the final four, the victory will mark their fourth final in five tournaments.