Messi's Surprise Absence: The Story Behind Argentina’s Commanding Victory Over Peru!"
Lionel Messi was not in uniform for Argentina on Saturday night, but tens of thousands of fans in the sold-out Hard Rock Stadium donned his No. 10 jersey and watched the Albiceleste secure a 2-0 victory over Peru, clinching first place in Copa America Group A. Both goals were scored by Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, who has now netted four goals in three games. With a quarterfinal spot already secured, the coaches made nine changes to the starting lineup, and Messi sat out to recover from an upper right thigh injury, aiming to return for the knockout rounds starting Thursday in Houston. Despite not playing, Messi was present on the bench, and when shown on the stadium screens, the crowd of 64,972 erupted with chants of “Messi! Messi!” He celebrated Martinez’s goals enthusiastically and appeared in high spirits as Argentina dominated the game. The reigning Copa America and World Cup champions displayed superior pace and passing, maintaining 74% possession and recording six shots on goal to Peru's one. Argentina will be joined by Group A runner-up Canada in the knockout rounds and will face the second-place team from Group B in the quarterfinals. Venezuela currently leads Group B with six points, while Ecuador and Mexico are tied with three points each.
Messi's Surprise Absence: The Story Behind Argentina’s Commanding Victory Over Peru!"
Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni missed the match due to a one-game suspension for delaying his team’s return to the field in their first two games against Canada and Chile, resulting in a $15,000 fine. Assistant coach Walter Samuel stepped in for Scaloni. “We are very pleased with the result, and we got a chance to see players who had not played yet,” Samuel said. “Our players were able to remain patient and score in the second half. We have confidence in all 26 players we brought and are delighted with this win. The guys who had been training hard deserved to play.” When asked about Messi’s condition, Samuel stated they would monitor him day by day, hoping he can recover in time for the quarterfinals. “Leo was in the locker room with us, he seemed better, but it’s too early to discuss his status for the next game,” Samuel added. Defender German Pezzella was optimistic about Messi's recovery. “Hopefully he can get to 100% quickly,” Pezzella said. “We see him in a very good mood, and he gives us the feeling that he’ll be with us next game.” Angel Di Maria, set to retire from the national team after this Copa America, captained the team in Messi’s absence. Before the game, Di Maria shared a heartfelt moment with his daughter, Mia, during the national anthem. “Unfortunately, I only wear the armband when something is wrong with Leo, but it was a special night,” Di Maria said. “And each time I’ve worn it, we’ve won, so I’m very happy. There isn’t much time left for me, so to enjoy it with my family, with my daughter on the field, was very nice.” Di Maria noted the team felt at home in South Florida and was touched by the massive crowds in Miami, New Jersey, and Atlanta. “We always feel like the home team,” he said. “The stadiums are full wherever we go, and that’s why we want to give the fans our best in every game to make them happy. We know the tickets are not cheap and it’s not easy to travel to where we are, so to bring them joy is very meaningful for us.” With a quarterfinal berth secured, Argentina’s coaching staff opted for significant lineup changes against Peru. The only players retaining their starting spots from the previous game were goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Nicolas Tagliafico. The revised Starting XI included Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Gonzalo Montiel, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, and Di Maria. “Our team hasn’t changed since the World Cup. We keep working the same way, and we showed today that the younger players can step up, and the team won’t suffer,” Di Maria said. “That’s important for the coach to know everyone is ready to play.” Peru’s starting lineup featured Pedro Gallese, Carlos Zambrano, Alexander Callens, Oliver Sonne, Aldo Corzo, Bryan Reyna, Sergio Pena, Wilder Cartagena, Marcos Lopez, Edison Flores, and Paolo Guerrero. Ando Polo was set to start but was replaced by Sonne due to discomfort during warmups. The match was tied 0-0 at halftime, with Argentina dominating possession (79% to 21%) and taking three shots on goal, while Peru had none. Peru’s goalkeeper Gallese, who plays for MLS club Orlando City, made three crucial saves in the first half to keep Peru in the game, stopping efforts from Paredes, Di Maria, and Garnacho.