Why isn’t Lionel Scaloni coaching Argentina against Peru in the Copa América 2024?

Argentina may already be through to the Copa América 2024 quarterfinals, but they won’t be taking on Peru in optimal conditions in Group A on Saturday. In addition to captain Lionel Messi missing the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, head coach Lionel Scaloni is suspended from the touchline following an incident in the second group fixture against Chile on Tuesday.

Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing against Peru?

Messi suffered the latest in a series of muscular injuries against the Chileans in midweek, complaining of pain in his right hamstring post-match.

The man himself explained: “I felt some discomfort in my right hamstring at the beginning of the game. It was tight. It wasn’t as loose as it should’ve been. But I was able to finish the game... In my first involvement, my adductor tightened up. I didn’t feel a puncture or a tear, but I did find it difficult to move freely.”

When do Argentina play in the Copa América 2024 quarterfinals?

Assistant coach Walter Samuel revealed the 37-year-old wouldn’t feature against Peru and that his injury would be assessed “day by day”.

Argentina have already qualified for last eight and will play next on Thursday 4 or Friday 5 July, depending on whether they win Group A or finish as runners-up.

Why is Argentina coach Scaloni suspended for the Peru game?

Scaloni, meanwhile, will have to watch on from the stands in Miami after being given a one-match suspension as a result of his team returning to the field late for the second half in Tuesday’s win over Chile. As well the 46-year-old’s ban, the Argentinian Soccer Association (AFA) have been fined $15,000.

Such a sanction applies when a team commits the offence for a second time. Argentina had already received a warning for poor timekeeping at half time in their opening match of the tournament against Canada.

In addition to not being able to sit on the bench, Scaloni was banned from taking part in the official pre-match press conference and won’t be able to speak to the press after the game either.

Who will coach Argentina against Peru?

Although former Real Madrid and Inter defender Samuel, who has been Scaloni’s assistant since 2019, will be listed as the head coach for the game against Peru, it is believed Pablo Aimar will be the main decision-maker on the touchline.