Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has said even if Lionel Messi is not 100 per cent fit he will still play him.
Argentina received a major boost ahead of their Copa America semi-final clash against Canada in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Scaloni confirmed that captain Lionel Messi is fit to play despite hamstring injury concerns.
After missing Argentina’s final group stage due to a thigh complaint, Messi returned to the field in their quarter-final win against Ecuador. He went on to play 90 minutes of their quarter-final clash.
The game went to penalties after a 1-1 draw, and the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup winner made the headlines after missing his spot kick.
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Scaloni went on to acknowledge the contribution that Messi makes despite not being fully fit, stating that he would not make the mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing the difference that he can create for his team.
“When he’s fit, he always plays. There are no doubts. Who would have any doubts? I’m the coach, so I have no doubts,” Scaloni was quoted on Sport NDTV.
“I’m the one who decides, and when I see that he’s fit to play, even if he’s not 100 per cent fit, he’s going to play. I take responsibility for that, but I have no doubts.
“It’s true that that won’t ever weigh on me. I know what he can give us even if he’s not in optimal condition, and I wouldn’t make the grave mistake of not putting him on the pitch knowing that he gives us a lot, so that’s indisputable,” he added.
Argentina would be hoping to defend the Copa America title as they prepare to face Canada.
