"Messi not playing doesn't mean it's bad for Argentina"

Peru go into the final day of the Copa America group stage with just one point and need to win and hope for a positive result between Canada and Chile. Before that, they must beat Lionel Scaloni's 'Albiceleste'. Messi's doubt does not affect Jorge Fossati, who explained his reasoning in the run-up to the game.

"It doesn't change practically anything for us. It takes a bit of pressure or responsibility from the opposition, but they have already shown that they always go onto the pitch with the same attitude no matter who plays. To make a difference because 'Juansito' plays and 'Pedrito' doesn't play..., we're talking about a squad that won the World Cup in Qatar," said the Uruguayan coach at a press conference before the game.

Regarding the absence of Leo Messi, who is recovering from adductor problems, he said it should not necessarily be a handicap for Argentina.

"Undoubtedly, it changes whether or not a player considered one of the best in the world plays, but it doesn't mean it harms them. On the one hand, not having your main player has an influence, but it makes you look more for collective play and not be so attracted to someone who you know will get the ball and solve everything.

Fossati said his team are convinced they can "get the win based" on what they did "in the previous two games", despite the goalless draw against Chile and the loss to Canada.

For the Uruguayan coach, the Peruvian national team is immersed in a medium-term process, because the objective is to get to the qualifiers in September, so he ignores the "analysis based on results" in this Copa America.

"We've already improved a lot in the friendly matches and it's being corroborated in the Copa, but, for most people, football is analysed based on results and they won't believe me," he added.

 

June 28, 2024