Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni has answered a question about the fitness of 37-year-old national team forward Lionel Messi ahead of the 2024 Copa America semi-final match against Canada tomorrow, July 10.
Recall that Messi missed the Copa America group stage third round match against Peru (3-2) due to a muscle injury. However, the player then completed the full match in the quarter-finals of the tournament against Ecuador (0-1, 1-4 on penalties).
“Lionel is doing well, he has recovered well from the little problem he had before the game against Peru,” Scaloni said at the pre-match press conference. “Of course, at his age, we have to manage his workload carefully and make sure he is in the best possible condition for the big games. But I can assure you that he is ready and eager to face Canada.”
Asked whether Messi would start the semi-final, Scaloni remained coy. "We'll have to see how training goes over the next 24 hours. Lionel is an integral part of our team, but I also have to take into account the fitness of the whole team and make the best decisions for the team. We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the starting XI."
Messi's fitness has been a constant talking point throughout the Copa America, with Argentina desperate to get their talisman through the tournament in top form. At 37, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner remains Argentina's most influential player, but Scaloni is adamant he will not take unnecessary risks with Messi's health.
“We know how important Lionel is, not just to this team, but to the entire country. But we also have to be realistic – he’s not getting any younger. Our priority is to make sure he can perform at his best in the most crucial games. That’s why we have to carefully manage his minutes and his recovery. I’m confident he’ll be ready to lead us against Canada.”
