Is Lionel Messi's injury serious? Reports from Argentina's training ground are alarming

At 5:30 in the morning on June 30, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina will take on Peru in the last Copa América Group A match. With two victories in two games, Argentina is currently leading the table and displaying a formidable attacking force spearheaded by Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez. As they are at the bottom of their group, Peru will face a formidable opponent in the reigning champions. This match is crucial for both teams' tournament aspirations; with Argentina being the heavy favourites and already qualified for the next round, Peru must achieve an upset if they want to keep their tournament chances alive. 

Also Read: Uruguay routs Bolivia 5-0 at Copa America

Lionel Messi misses training ahead of Argentina vs Peru in the Copa America 2024 clash

Lionel Messi was not in Miami for Argentina's Thursday, June 27, training session as they got ready for their last Copa America 2024 group stage game against Peru. The game is set for Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

The group under coach Lionel Scaloni had qualified for the quarterfinals with their 1-0 win over Chile on June 25. As per reports from Argentina (via The Athletic), Messi will rest for the quarterfinals by missing the game against Peru.

Topping their group with a draw against Peru would probably set up a quarterfinal meeting in Houston on July 4 against either Ecuador or Mexico. Messi stayed in the team hotel on Thursday as the other players trained at Florida International University.

The captain apparently got treatment for his right adductor. An Argentine Football Federation spokesman told The Athletic that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner worked on kinesiology exercises at the team hotel with a team physiotherapist.

Lionel Messi said, during the post-match conference following Argentina's victory over Chile, that he had experienced pain in his right leg early in the game. Messi said: 

“It was tight. It wasn’t as loose as it should’ve been. But I was able to finish the game. We’ll see how it goes.”

Following the victory over Chile, Lionel Messi underwent a scan on his right adductor at MetLife Stadium, according to several sources from Argentina. He has an additional scan set for this Friday. Messi also told journalists on Tuesday that he has been suffering with a fever and sore throat lately.