ARGENTINA
Will Messi be fit in time to play for Argentina against Peru?
The Argentine star appeared off the bench against Paraguay, but his fitness is still a question for boss Lionel Scaloni.
Lionel Messi’s fitness has been a cause for concern from Miami to Mendoza and the World Cup winner is still keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the mystery injury that saw him miss out on Inter Miami’s failed run to the MLS playoffs.
The forward appeared off the bench in the 53rd minute of Argentina’s recent win over Paraguay but his physical state is still causing plenty of quizzical looks. Now, however, the game against Peru is Argentina’s next big challenge, and the status of the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner is once again causing questions to be asked.
Messi embroiled in spitting controversy
During the game against Paraguay, Messi, despite not featuring for the full 90 minutes, found himself at the centre of controversy when footage revealed what appeared to be Paraguay striker Sanabria spitting in his direction. After the game the former Real Betis player strongly denied the incident, saying that “No [there was no incident], just things that happen in a game..he was far away, it just looks like that in the picture. Because it’s from behind”, he continued, “it looks like I spit at him, but it’s not like that at all.”
Messi, for his part, was more direct with his response, saying that “I honestly don’t even know who the guy is. I didn’t see it. I don’t want to give it any importance, because it will be everywhere now. What’s worse is that he becomes known [for it]. It’s better to leave it as it is.”
Will Messi play against Peru for Argentina?
The best answer we have regarding the million-dollar question came from Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni: “We’ll talk over the next few days”, he said. “It’s not ruled out that he will play [against Peru]. Today, I think it was a risk to give him more minutes than normal.”
We spoke about it”, Scaloni continued, “and we agree with each other, and I think this was smart because we run the risk of having a problem, which isn’t the case”. As such, we will have to wait and see if Messi can get to the Peru game in a state fit to start. For now, though, we can only cross out fingers and hope that his recovery goes as planned.
Argentina take on Peru in their next fixture on Tuesday 17 October 2023, with kick-off at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
