Copa America:

Argentina trembling for Messi, USA threatened with elimination

Lionel Messi(Bild: AP/Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)

(Bild: AFP or licensors)

The Argentinians, who have already qualified for the knockout phase, are worried about Lionel Messi. Their superstar is injured and hosts USA are in danger of being eliminated. 

Former champion Lionel Messi had to skip training on Thursday due to a thigh ligament and will not play in the final group game against Peru. However, coach Lionel Scaloni announced a heavy rotation anyway. However, it is not yet known how serious Messi's injury actually is.

After a 5:0 victory over Bolivia on Thursday (local time), Uruguay are on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals of the Copa America. Tournament hosts USA, on the other hand, have to tremble. The Stars and Stripes, who were outnumbered for a long time, lost 2-1 (1-1) to Panama in Atlanta and are under heavy pressure in their final Group C match against Uruguay.

(Bild: AFP or licensors)

After a red card for Juventus international Timothy Weah in the 18th minute, the USA took the lead through Folarin Balogun of Adi Hütter's club AS Monaco (22), but immediately conceded the equalizer (28) and then the decisive goal through Jose Fajardo (84). They are level on points with Panama in the table, but at least have the better goal difference - which is decisive in the event of a tie.

Timothy Weah(Bild: 2024 Getty Images)

Finally, Uruguay, who celebrated a scoring feast against bottom-placed Bolivia in East Rutherford, await on July 1. Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Nunez, Maximiliano Araujo, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur scored for the record title-holders (15/shared with Argentina).