However, that might not be the case so much if they’re without Messi, which they might be after a friendly match on Friday night against Honduras.
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San Juan: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was replaced in the second half of Argentina’s 1-0 warm-up win against Honduras with a back problem, days ahead of the Copa America Centenario football tournament.
The five-time FIFA World Player of the Year is due to begin his journey back to Spain later Saturday in order to attend what is expected to be a two-day hearing next week in relation to allegations of tax fraud. Upon hitting the ground Messi began screaming and could be seen holding his left side as he left the field. “He is being examined in a local hospital for a more thorough diagnosis”, the statement said.
Argentina boss Gerardo Martino had been concerned about Messi’s fitness immediately after the match.
Argentina meet Chile in Santa Clara, California, on June 6 and also face Bolivia and Panama in Group D.
Messi’s Copa America in jeopardy.
Earlier in Friday’s match, Higuain’s goal in the 31st minute had settled the encounter for the hosts.
The striker produced a sublime Cruyff turn to wrongfoot defender Maynor Figueroa before lifting a delicate finish over goalkeeper Donis Escober.
Argentina fans are on high alert Messi goes down with an injury.
Argentina nearly took a 27th-minute lead via Nicolas Otamendi but the Manchester City centre-back’s volley from Angel di Maria’s corner flashed just wide of the post.
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EuroSport has reported that The La Liga forward received a blow to his rib cage after 60 minutes of Argentina’s 1-0 victory, and was down for 3 minutes as the medical staff gave treatment, before being taken off the field permanently by coach Tata Martino, apparently wincing as he made his way down the tunnel.
