The Copa America 2024 semifinal show begins today between Argentina and Canada. It is a similar contest in this tournament as it is a rematch of the group-stage clash between the two teams. While either side would be looking to get their ticket to the final, the question looms whether Lionel Messi will be playing tonight.

The Argentinian skipper has been displaying signs of being injury-prone since the inception of the CONMEBOL-based tournament. After missing the final group-stage clash against Peru, Messi made a return against Ecuador in the previous one. The 37-year-old had a sore hamstring that has been limiting him to showcase his goalscoring prowess. However, things seem fine as Lionel Messi will play tonight against Canada.  

Yet, more than the on-pitch battles, the 8x Ballon d’Or is facing psychological battles. During the previous post-match interview, Messi revealed, “I was feeling much better. There may be a slight psychological worry when you suffer from an injury or discomfort.” The Barcelona icon even made a shocking revelation that he had been training with a ‘lot of uncertainty and fear.’

Notably, Messi’s hamstring problem isn’t something new and rather stems from last year. The Argentine had been facing problems even on the domestic front while playing for Inter Miami. Perhaps this explains his lack of goals in the 2024 Copa America as the former PSG star is yet to open his account. He had a chance to score his first goal in the penalty shootout but chose to go for the Panenka instead, which unfortunately hit the crossbar.

Luckily, other players didn’t miss with Emiliano Martinez also giving his clutch performance to knock out Ecuador. Certainly, Messi would be looking to showcase his magic against Canada tonight, given how he came prepared for the clash.

Lionel Messi arrives against Canada with ‘better conditions’

Days ago, Argentina-based senior journalist Leo Paradizo offered a positive update regarding Lionel Messi. “Leo Messi continues with his evolution, and on Tuesday he will arrive in better conditions than against Ecuador. The 10 is preparing for the semifinal. This is what we told,” he reported. Indeed, fans can expect the Magisterial Messi to be at his best against the Cunnecks.

Yet, let’s hope that the forward doesn’t end up getting involved in a physical challenge. His presence is not only omnipotent tonight but also in the final clash against the winner of the other semifinal clash between Uruguay and Colombia. The rest of the duty remains on Lionel Scaloni to put the game against Canada on cruise mode so that he would be able to take off Messi and give him more rest for the finale.