Argentina entered the final round of the group stage against Peru at 7am on June 30 without Messi due to injury, but in the quarterfinals, coach Scaloni may use this star.
HEAD to head Ecuador or Mexico
After 2 wins in Group A, Argentina has quickly secured a ticket to the quarter-finals and only needs 1 more point against Peru to secure the top spot in the group. Coach Scaloni has decided to change most of the squad in this match but still sets the ultimate goal of winning. In theory, regardless of who is on the field, Argentina is still expected to earn 3 points quite easily because of their superiority over their opponents.
The rest of the Argentina squad, such as reserve goalkeeper Rulli, defender Pezzella, midfielder Palacios, Carboni and young star Garnacho, are all highly rated. Not to mention, striker Lautaro Martinez (scored 2 goals in 2 matches when coming off the bench) is also likely to start on June 30. If Argentina tops Group A, they will face the second-placed team in Group B in the quarterfinals. If they finish second, they will face the first-placed team in Group B.
In Group B, Venezuela (6 points, already in the quarterfinals) only needs to draw with Jamaica (already eliminated) in the final round (7am, July 1) to secure the top spot. The remaining spot is the match between Ecuador and Mexico (both with 3 points). Ecuador has the advantage thanks to a goal difference of +1 compared to their opponent’s 0, so only needs a draw to advance.
Both Ecuador and Mexico are familiar opponents of the Argentine team. Messi and his teammates have been unbeaten in their last 7 matches against Ecuador (6 wins, 1 draw). Meanwhile, Mexico has lost 4 consecutive matches against Argentina recently.
Messi is ‘handled like an egg’
According to TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, after the Argentina team arrived in Florida to prepare for the match against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Messi was examined for a thigh injury (he suffered the injury in the 1-0 win over Chile on June 26). Although there was nothing really to worry about, the 37-year-old player was still given a rest by coach Scaloni and returned home to his family in Miami (USA). He only returned to training one day before Argentina’s match against Peru but will not play.
Messi has been given complete rest to be in the best physical condition to prepare for the quarter-finals. For over a year, whenever he has suffered an injury, no matter how minor, Messi has had to rest for at least a week or more to recover 100% before returning to the field. Coach Scaloni understands this better than anyone, so he does not let Messi take any risks, no matter how small.
Uruguay sends ‘scary’ message
Uruguay, led by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, started the Copa America with two impressive victories in Group C: defeating Panama 3-1 and Bolivia 5-0 (June 28). With a guaranteed place in the quarter-finals, this opponent sent a warning to Messi and the Argentine team in the championship race. Uruguay is currently the team in the best form, scoring 8 goals in 2 matches with striker Darwin Nunez continuously “firing”. They also have a dynamic and powerful midfield with the duo Valverde and Ugarte.
