Lionel Messi won't start in Argentina's Copa America opener - report
Posted Monday, June 06, 2016 by ESPN
Lionel Messi will not start in Argentina's opening Copa America Centenario match against Chile on Monday but will be on the substitute's bench, according to a Diario As report.
Messi is nursing a back injury suffered in the Albiceleste's 1-0 friendly defeat of Honduras on May 27, when he took a knee to the torso and was subbed off in the 64th minute. Tests performed after the match showed a deep bone bruise in his lower lumbar region.
An official announcement on Messi's status is expected after the team's training session on Sunday.
Sources with knowledge of the situation have told ESPN FC that Messi has only done two jogs since he arrived in California, the second of which at lower intensity than the first.
The Barcelona star and five-time Ballon d'Or winner had only joined his national team on Friday, having arrived from Spain where he appeared at a trial for tax evasion.
Speaking earlier on Sunday, Argentina manager Gerardo Martino told reporters midfielder Nicolas Gaitan would likely take Messi's place if the No. 10 did not play against Chile.
Argentina will face Chile at 10 p.m. ET at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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