After learning this Friday the sanction that Conmebol applied to Lionel Scaloni and will prevent him from directing the Argentine National Team this Saturday at 9 p.m. at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami against PeruWalter Samuel, a member of the coaching staff, took on the press conference with Germán Pezzella and confirmed that Lionel Messi will not play the last game of the group stage of the Copa América with classification assured.
““Leo will not be there, we will go day by day waiting for his evolution. Acuña also had a small overload and will be evaluated,” said Samuel, who will lead the team with Pablo Aimar. “We’re taking it one game at a time. We’re not planning to save anyone. We’re thinking about putting together the best team to play well against Peru and win,” added the former defender.
At his side, the defender Pezzellawho would be the owner, He stressed: “We know that Leo’s absence is not just for us. but for everyone in general. Through the operation of the equipment “We will do everything possible to replace it.”.
The match between Argentina (6 points and +3 goal difference) and Peru (1 and -1) It will start at 9 p.m. and can be seen on Public TV, DSports, TyC Sports and Telefé. At the same time, Canada (3 and -1) and Chile (1 and -1) will be playing, with DSports broadcasting.
A captain in cotton
Messi accused muscle problems in his right leg during the first half of last Tuesday’s 1-0 victory against Chilealthough he was able to complete the 90s. Then he did not participate in the following training sessions.
The 37-year-old star He underwent medical studies and a possible tear in his adductor was ruled out, since he only suffered a contracturebut a differentiated recovery regime will begin. Doctors estimate that the Argentine captain will need between 10 and 12 days to recover.ruling out the worst-case scenario of 20 days. This time window between the match against Peru and the quarter-finals is crucial for his rehabilitation. He is expected to be ready for the quarter-finals.
Acuña was also ruled out due to a muscle injury. The full-back had a difficult season in Seville due to pubalgia, and was left out after playing against Canada and briefly against Chile. His return is estimated for a potential semifinal.
“Go win”
“We have the advantage of having qualified and it can be misinterpreted. But we want to secure first place; Whichever team plays, we want to win. We never change our attitude.”Samuel stressed.
Regarding Saturday’s match, the interim coach said that they will try to secure first place in the group and avoided commenting on the national team’s favoritism. “The big favorite is difficult to take like that. After the match with Peru, what comes next will be decisive and we have to think about the rivals, whether it be Mexico or Ecuador. Talking about favoritism is very difficult, since in this Copa America there are very good teams and a very good level”he stressed.
“We are going to take the game with the utmost seriousness, for us there is no substitute and whoever enters to compete is on the same line. We have full confidence whoever plays,” said Samuel.
Looking ahead to the match against Peru, Scaloni had already anticipated several changeshence The probable formation would go with Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, PezzellaNicholas OtamendiNicholas Tagliafico; Leandro WallsEnzo Fernandez or Exequiel PalacesJohn Lo Celso; Angel From Maria, Lautaro MartínezAlexander Garnacho or Valentine Carboni.
How the sanction affected Scaloni
On Scaloni’s suspensionwho will replace him this Saturday on the substitutes’ bench, said: “It was a blow, he is a little bitter. Sometimes you can stay talking about football in the locker room, but We never seek to take advantage. We consider ourselves a correct technical teamWe have never had this type of sanction. In these six years I think we have only had one yellow card and it was for me. We will abide by what Conmebol said.”
It is worth remembering that In the 2-0 victory against Canada, the Albiceleste took more than 20 minutes at halftime while against Chile Players it took two minutes extra on returning to the field of play, Triggers for the sanction and the fine of 15,000 dollars for failure to comply with the regulations.
In addition, Chile’s coach, Ricardo “Tigre”, Gareca, received the same sanction that Scaloni, since he also took a while to return to the match that he lost 1-0 against Argentina.
