Lionel Messi dropped! Argentina to rest Inter Miami hero after he admitted to hamstring issue ahead of Copa America clash against Peru

During the encounter with Chile, Messi required treatment on the sidelines in the first half due to discomfort in his right hamstring following a tackle from Gabriel Suazo. After the game, Messi confirmed that he was not at his 100 per cent and it did affect his performance.

According to ESPN,Messi will be rested by Lionel Scaloni in the next match against Peru. To determine the severity of the injury, the forward will undergo further tests which will reveal in detail the extent of the injury.

In a mixed-zone interview post-match, Messi said: "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. We'll see how it goes. In the first play, my adductor got hard. I didn't feel a puncture or a tear, but I did find it difficult to move freely."

In light of Messi's injury, Scaloni has announced plans to make several changes to the starting lineup for the match against Peru. He aims to give the younger players an opportunity to gain experience on the pitch, saying: "We are satisfied, and we can enjoy the days, and give the youngest ones minutes. I think it's fair to have the players that did not have minutes get onto the pitch."

Several players who have not yet seen action in the tournament are expected to feature against Peru. Exequiel Palacios, Guido Rodríguez, Valentin Carboni, and Alejandro Garnacho, who participated in the pre-Copa America friendlies against Guatemala and Ecuador, are likely candidates to play. Garnacho, in particular, is expected to be one of the key players to watch in the upcoming match.

Argentina's position in the tournament allows Scaloni the flexibility to rest key players. The victory against Chile secured their spot in the quarter-finals, with Argentina winning both of their group stage matches so far. As the reigning champions, they are almost certain to finish at the top of Group A, regardless of the outcome against Peru.