Lionel Messi suffered a muscle injury in the match between Argentina and Chile. The striker’s problem is more serious than initially predicted, and he may have to sit out the entire quarter-finals of Copa America 2024.

Messi hugs his thigh in the win over Chile

Last Wednesday, Argentina defeated arch-rival Chile 1-0, thereby officially securing an early ticket to the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024. However, they had to pay a big price when captain Lionel Messi suffered a muscle injury.

Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes against Chile, but constantly had to rely on doctors to massage his muscles. This 37-year-old striker was also almost unable to accelerate in the final stages of the match.

Initially, Argentine media said Messi only had a muscle strain and did not need to rest. The Inter Miami star will be rested by coach Scaloni for tomorrow’s final group stage match against Peru to recover his fitness.

However, Messi’s problem is more complicated than initially predicted and the striker will likely miss the upcoming 2024 Copa America quarter-finals. Famous Argentinian reporter Paradizo said: “Every day that passes, what we know about Messi’s injury becomes more and more negative. I can tell everyone frankly that Messi may miss the quarterfinals.”

“At the moment, Messi’s ability to play is still uncertain. However, many believe that if Messi tries to play in the quarter-finals, the injury will become more serious. The best option is to let him rest for the semi-finals.”

“In the dressing room, Messi was quite sad and disappointed because of his own problems. He has been released from camp and is at home resting. He will return to the team tomorrow.”

The quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America will begin on July 4, while the semi-finals will take place five days later. Messi will have to race against time to recover in time for these matches.