Concerns about the biggest star. Is Messi fit? Argentina is one step away from the final, coach reassures

Argentina is eyeing the semifinals of the Copa América and fans are worried. Is Lionel Messi healthy? Will he play? World champions’ coach Lionel Scaloni answered that question ahead of the expected and difficult duel with Canada.

• Argentina is about to reach the semi-finals of the Copa América
• Fans are worried about the captain’s health
• Coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken out

Not only the EURO, but also the Copa América is slowly coming to an end as the semi-final matches approach. While Spain and France will face France and England and the Netherlands in the European Championship, Argentina and Canada and Uruguay and Colombia will face each other in the South American tournament.

Interestingly, for the first time in a long time, Lionel Messi is not exactly the main figure of his country and the entire championship. Although he is still the captain, he is still suffering from health problems, which forced him to miss one match, and there is still some debate about how fit he really is.

However, Argentina is being dragged down by the goals of Lautaro Martínez, who has already expressed his gratitude to the captain for helping him to get into game and mental condition before the start of the championship and letting him kick the penalty.

And what about Messi? Although he hasn’t scored a single goal so far in the tournament, he’s not doing badly at all. He is creating chances, has one assist, and is troubling opposing defences with his dribbling even at 37. Although he may not be 100% healthy.

Fans are understandably worried about his health and also about his start in the semifinals. Canada has a great team, they will be strong. Argentina wants to field as strong a team as possible. Coach Lionel Scaloni had to reassure the fans.

How is Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi had to miss the last group game against Peru due to health complications. Much has been made of his participation in the quarter-final against Ecuador. However, he managed to play the full 90 minutes.

On Tuesday night, Argentina will face a strong Canada. Once again, the question is how Argentina’s captain is doing. But according to coach Lionel Scaloni, there are no doubts about the start of the eight Ballon d’Or winner.

“Messi is 99% fit to play. It has never happened to me that he can’t start. Every time he went on the pitch, he was ready to play. He is fit enough to play against Canada. Without a doubt. It’s an easy decision for me. If he’s healthy, he plays. If he is not, he plays the last 30 minutes,” Goal quoted the coach as saying.

“I’m a coach, so I have no doubts. I am the one who makes the decision. If I see that Lionel is well enough, even if he’s not 100%, he starts. I take all the responsibility for that. I know what he can give us, even if he’s not in ideal condition. I wouldn’t make such a huge mistake by not sending him on the pitch when I know what he can offer us,” he added.

The Argentina vs Canada match kicks off at 2:00 a.m.

Source: Goal, Transfermarkt, Copa América