Will Messi Play Today for Argentina vs Peru?

Fixtures Overview

Argentina will face Peru in their final Group A match of the 2021 Copa America on Monday, June 28. The match will be played at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Argentina have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while Peru need a win to secure their place in the next round.

Messi's Injury Status

Lionel Messi missed Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay in their previous match due to a hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward has been training with the squad and is expected to be fit for the match against Peru. However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has said that he will make a final decision on Messi's availability after the team's training session on Sunday.

Argentina's Team News

If Messi is fit to play, he is likely to start alongside Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez in Argentina's attack. Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are expected to start in midfield, with Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero likely to partner in central defence. Emiliano Martinez will start in goal.

Peru's Team News

Peru will be without their captain, Paolo Guerrero, who is suspended for the match. Andre Carrillo and Gianluca Lapadula are expected to lead the attack, while Christian Cueva and Sergio Pena are likely to start in midfield. Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotun are expected to start in central defence, with Pedro Gallese starting in goal.

Head-to-Head Record

Argentina have a good head-to-head record against Peru, having won 17 of their 30 meetings. Peru have won seven times, while the other six matches have been drawn. The two teams last met in the 2019 Copa America, with Argentina winning 2-0.

Prediction

Argentina are the favourites to win the match, but Peru will be no pushovers. If Messi is fit to play, Argentina will be confident of securing a victory. However, if Messi is not fit, Peru will fancy their chances of causing an upset.