Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to play in Tuesday's Copa America semifinal against Canada in New Jersey, despite concerns about his hamstring injury, according to coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi, who returned to action in Argentina's quarterfinal win against Ecuador after missing the final group-stage match due to injury, played the entire game but appeared physically hindered.
The 37-year-old Inter Miami star missed a penalty in the shootout that decided the game at Houston's NRG Stadium. However, Scaloni reassured fans in a Monday press conference that Messi is ready for the semifinal at MetLife Stadium. "Leo is fine, he finished well, so tomorrow he will be part of the match, we are calm," Scaloni said. "His level looks good. He is essential for us."
Argentina and Canada will face each other for the second time in the tournament, following their opening match in Group A, where the defending champions won 2-0. Scaloni mentioned that both he and Canada coach Jesse Marsch would implement new strategies for the upcoming game. "All coaches take notes to correct mistakes and hurt our opponents," Scaloni explained. "Each coach will have to do something different. We will try to have the ball and stop them from playing their game."
Scaloni also highlighted the physical and aggressive play of the Canadian team, who recently won a penalty shootout against Venezuela. "Canada has players who are physically strong and also technically good, with a coach who has conveyed an aggressive way of playing," he noted. "They have made things difficult for all teams. Physically it's difficult to match them, but with our assets we hope to play the game on our side."
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