New Jersey (USA), July 9 (IANS) Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be fit to play against Canada in the Copa America semifinal on Wednesday.
Messi’s fitness was in doubt after the striker missed the last group stage match against Peru due to thigh complaint. However, he returned for the quarterfinal against Ecuador and completed 90 minutes, although did miss from the spot in the penalty shootout.
In the pre-match press conference, Scaloni ruled out any fitness concern and said it was no brainer for them to decide on Messi’s inclusion as they would have played him even in case of not fully fit.
“99% of the time, [Messi] is fit to play. It’s never happened to me that he’s not fit to play. Every time he’s come out on the pitch, he’s fit to play. For (Canada), he’s fit to play, without a doubt. It’s a very easy decision for me, because it’s a very frank decision, that if he’s fine, he plays; and if he’s not fine, he plays the last 30 minutes. It’s that easy,” Scaloni said.
“When he’s fit, he always plays. There are no doubts. Who would have any doubts? I’m the coach, so I have no doubts. I’m the one who decides and when I see that he’s fit to play, even if he’s not 100% fit, he’s going to play. I take responsibility for that but I have no doubts. It’s true that that won’t ever weigh on me, I know what he can give us even if he’s not in optimal condition, I wouldn’t make the grave mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing that he gives us a lot, so that’s indisputable,” he added.
A win against Canada will steer Argentina to their fourth Copa America final in the space of five tournaments in the last decade. This could be Messi’s final international competition, as he will be 39 by the time the next World Cup takes place in 2026.
However, with a third-place play-off included, Argentina is assured at least one extra game regardless of the Canada semifinal outcome.
–IANS
ab/bc
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.