Lionel Messi sidelined at Copa América due to injury | OneFootball

Argentina will be without star man Lionel Messi for their final Copa América group stage match against Peru.

The Inter Miami man required treatment on his inner thigh during the clash against Chile and will now be on the sidelines.

The news is compounded by the fact that Argentina will also be without manager Lionel Scaloni.

The 46-year-old was handed a one-game ban after his side failed to re-enter the pitch on time for the second half against Chile.

Assistant manager Walter Samuel confirmed Argentina “are going to see how [Messi] is, day to day.”

On Scaloni’s sanction, he added: “We got the news today, it was a shock. He is a bit upset about the situation because we consider ourselves a proper coaching staff that in almost 6 years haven’t had this type of sanctions.

“He wanted to be with the team but we will abide by what CONMEBOL says.”

Argentina have already qualified for the knockout rounds, but Messi’s absence will remain a focal point throughout the tournament.