MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Argentina will play its ultimate Copa América group stage match on Saturday night time with out star Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina faces Peru at Laborious Rock Stadium, whereas Canada and Chile additionally play their ultimate Group A match at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
Argentina (six factors in Group A) has already clinched a spot within the Copa América quarterfinals, whereas Canada (three factors) hopes to additionally advance with a win or draw towards Chile. Chile and Peru (one level every) would wish victories, whereas aim differential is the subsequent tiebreaker, to advance.
Right here’s what it’s good to know as USA TODAY Sports activities offers dwell updates from the Argentina vs. Peru, Copa América match:
What time is Argentina vs. Peru?
Argentina and Peru start at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Peru and 9 p.m. in Argentina).
Learn how to watch Argentina vs. Peru dwell stream?
The Argentina-Peru match will likely be broadcast by FS1 in English, and Univision/TUDN in Spanish.
Messi watches from bench as Argentine nationwide anthem performs
Argentina followers sang in unison as their nationwide anthem performed inside Laborious Rock Stadium earlier than the match.
Messi listed as Argentina substitute, will watch from bench
Though Lionel Messi has been initially dominated out towards Peru, Messi is a welcomed shock on Argentina’s lineup as an alternative to the match.
It is unclear whether or not Messi will seem in the course of the match, however he’ll at the very least watch from Argentina’s bench.
Messi, Argentina arrive to Peru match at Laborious Rock Stadium
With a smile and a Mas+ by Messi drink in hand, Lionel Messi walked into Laborious Rock Stadium alongside his Argentine teammates earlier than the match.
Argentina and Peru followers in full power earlier than Copa America match
The parking tons at Laborious Rock Stadium had been crammed with enthusiastic followers pregaming for Argentina and Peru.
Is Messi taking part in?
No. Messi is not going to play tonight towards Peru.
Why is Messi not taking part in towards Peru?
Messi is resting after struggling a proper groin/adductor harm in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile final Thursday.
Is Messi harm?
Messi is taken into account everyday, with studies out of Argentina, saying he has a minimal pressure.
When is Messi’s subsequent sport?
If Messi is wholesome, he’ll return in Argentina’s Copa America quarterfinal match on July 4.
Who will Argentina play within the Copa América quarterfinals?
As Group A leaders, Argentina awaits the second-place staff in Group B, which will likely be determined when Mexico and Ecuador play on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at State Farm Area in Glendale, Arizona.
Why is Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni suspended?
Scaloni shouldn’t be teaching the Argentine nationwide staff vs. Peru due to a Conmebol one-game suspension. The explanation: Argentina didn’t re-enter the pitch quick sufficient within the second half of its win over Chile final Tuesday. Argentina’s federation was fined $15,000.
What did Messi say about his harm?
Messi hoped his harm was “nothing severe” when talking to media after taking part in everything of Argentina’s win towards Chile. He additionally mentioned he was coping with a sore throat and fever in the course of the membership’s first week of Copa América motion.
Why Messi’s absence is disappointing for followers?
Argentine followers have flooded the streets of downtown Atlanta and New York Metropolis, and camped outdoors the nationwide staff’s inns for the primary two matches, together with Messi’s 37th birthday final Monday. Followers additionally had the Peru match Saturday circled to descend on Miami to look at Messi in motion.
How has Peru carried out throughout Copa América?
Peru has been held scoreless in its two Copa America video games, taking part in to a draw towards Chile, however falling 1-0 to Canada.
How has Messi’s harm affected Copa América ticket gross sales?
The typical listed ticket worth for the Argentina vs. Peru match decreased 22% after Messi’s harm, Vivid Seats advised USA TODAY Sports activities on Friday. This match was essentially the most in-demand ticket of the match with a $515 common ticket bought worth – practically $100 greater than the Argentina vs. Chile match and practically $200 greater than the match opener towards Canada.
Messi leaves door open to play in World Cup
Messi stays the face of Argentina’s nationwide staff. He’ll be the star attraction in Copa América. And he’s open to taking part in within the subsequent World Cup in 2026 — if his physique holds up.
“It is determined by how I really feel, how I’m bodily and being life like with myself. And to know if I’m as much as the duty of with the ability to compete and assist the colleagues subsequent to me,” Messi mentioned. “There’s some time left and I do not understand how I’ll be at that second.”
Messi says he’s conscious ‘there’s not numerous time left’
“I’ve performed this all of my life. I like taking part in ball. I benefit from the coaching, the everyday, the video games. Yeah, there’s a little bit of concern that it’s all ending. It’s at all times there,” Messi advised ESPN Argentina.
“It was a tough step leaving Europe to return [to the United States] The actual fact we gained the World Cup helped. It helped rather a lot, to see issues in one other approach. However I strive not to consider [retiring]. I attempt to take pleasure in it. I do this extra now as a result of I’m conscious that there’s not numerous time left.”
Messi continues to be large enterprise off soccer pitch
Messi has a brand new drink, Mas+, debuting within the U.S. He was the hilarious punchline in a “Dangerous Boys” film promo with film stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. And if soccer followers aren’t already, they’ll be singing “O-Lays, O-Lays, O-Lays, O-Lays” after his commercials for Lays chips and different firms air all summer season lengthy.