A Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina booked their place in the 2024 Copa America quarter-final stage with a victory over Chile in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
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Although he was unable to get on the scoresheet, the 37-year-old was in top form as the Albiceleste advanced to the last eight with a narrow 1-0 win over Chile.
Messi created a number of good chances for his teammates in their Group A encounter, but it was ultimately Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez who got Argentina over the line.
The 26-year-old scored an 88th-minute winner to guarantee his team's place in the next round of the competition.
Lionel Scaloni's men will be looking to retain their title following their famous Copa triumph in 2021, a victory that ended the country's 28-year wait for a major trophy.
Argentina's final match of the group stage will be against Peru on the weekend, but it is reportedly unlikely that Messi will feature in it.
Speaking to reporters after their win over Chile, the Inter Miami No. 10 confirmed he has been suffering from a fever and a muscle spasm in his right leg.
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Argentine journalist Gaston Edul claims the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will be rested as a result, before returning for their quarter-final.
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