MIAMI, JUNE 29: Lionel Messi will miss Argentinas final Copa America group game against Peru after complaining of muscle tightness, team officials said on Friday.
Assistant coach Walter Samuel told a press conference that the Inter Miami superstar was "day-by-day" following an injury to his right adductor muscle.
"Leo had a problem in the last game, he won be there for this game," Samuel said.
"We are going to go day-by-day waiting for its evolution."
Samuel, meanwhile, played down the impact of Messis absence on the rest of the team. Argentina have already booked their place in the quarter-finals after wins against Canada and Chile in their opening two matches.
A draw in Saturdays game against Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will guarantee Argentina qualify for the last eight as group winners.
Argentina is expected to rest several first-choice players against Peru, although Samuel insisted on Friday the world champions would seek a win. —AFP
