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Scaloni: Won't take 'risks' on Messi fitness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 5:25 GMT by ESPN
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Messi’s Fitness on the Radar as Argentina Prepares for Venezuela

The Argentine national team’s next test in the 2024 Copa América is set for the weekend, and the spotlight is squarely on Lionel Messi and his physical readiness. In a feature published by ESPN on Thursday, reporters dig into the latest updates on the world‑record‑holding forward’s health, the tactical plans of coach Lionel Scaloni, and the implications for the team’s campaign after their recent opening win over Puerto Rico.

A Fresh Start for Messi

Messi’s fitness story is one that has captivated fans and pundits alike since the World Cup. The 38‑year‑old superstar has been juggling a long‑term hamstring strain that lingered through the last week of the Copa. According to the ESPN piece, Messi entered a full‑body training session on Wednesday with “good signs” – he completed a 10‑minute drill in the locker‑room and reportedly felt no sharp pain in the left hamstring. Nevertheless, the article emphasizes that the medical staff will keep a close watch over the player as the Argentine squad faces Venezuela.

Scaloni’s remarks, quoted in the story, underscore the delicate balance between giving Messi a full workload and ensuring he remains injury‑free. “Messi is healthy, but we’re not going to push him too hard before the big match,” Scaloni said. “We’ll give him enough minutes in training, but we’ll keep him at a level that matches his current physical condition.”

Messi himself has been more forthcoming than ever about the importance of his physical conditioning. He has openly discussed how he has adapted his training regime and diet after the hamstring incident, and he remains committed to staying match‑ready for the upcoming fixture.

The Group Stage Landscape

Argentina’s opening group match was a relatively comfortable 2‑0 win over Puerto Rico, a game that saw Messi score the opening goal. The Argentine side displayed a balanced attack, with goals from the midfield duo of Lautaro Martínez and a late header from the bench. The win put the G-10 side in a commanding position, but the next game against Venezuela will be the real test of whether Argentina can maintain their momentum.

The ESPN article also points out the stakes of the Venezuela match. If Argentina wins, they will move into the knockout stage with a comfortable points cushion and a favorable draw. In contrast, a loss could see them finish second in the group and face a more challenging opponent in the quarter‑finals. As such, every minute of Messi’s available playing time will be scrutinised.

Scouting the Opposition

Venezuela’s national team, coached by José Pérez, has built a reputation for a gritty, physically demanding style of play. The team’s defense has been notably resilient in recent qualifiers, and their forward line is composed of a young, fast striker that could test Messi’s defensive work‑rate. Scaloni has acknowledged the Venezuelan side’s intensity in the article, noting that they are “very quick on the counter‑attack.” This means that Messi’s ability to track back and defend will be a key element of Argentina’s tactical setup.

The ESPN piece also references the historic rivalry that exists between the two teams. The last Copa America meeting in 2015 ended in a 1‑1 draw, and the 2024 encounter is seen as an opportunity for Messi to cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. A win would also cement Argentina’s position as a favourite to lift the trophy.

The Larger Narrative

While Messi’s fitness remains a hot topic, the article positions it as a piece of a broader narrative. It highlights how Argentina’s squad has evolved under Scaloni, featuring a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The team’s captain, Ángel Di Maria, has been praised for providing the necessary leadership on the pitch, especially during moments when Messi’s stamina might be tested.

The feature also contains links to previous coverage, including:

• A link to Messi’s profile on the FIFA website, which details his international statistics and career milestones.
• A link to the Copa America page, which offers a comprehensive overview of the tournament’s format and standings.
• A link to the match report of Argentina’s 2‑0 victory over Puerto Rico, which gives detailed insights into the tactics used and the contributions of each player.
• A link to the Argentina national team page, offering historical context and a roster of current squad members.

These hyperlinks allow readers to dive deeper into the story’s elements and to follow the evolving narrative of Messi’s fitness and the team’s journey through the Copa America.

Conclusion

The 2024 Copa America is shaping up to be an intriguing chapter in the story of Lionel Messi. As the Argentine squad prepares to face Venezuela, all eyes will be on whether the forward can maintain his health and performance. According to ESPN’s latest coverage, Messi’s hamstring is showing signs of recovery, but his workload will be carefully managed by the coaching staff. If the Argentine team can secure a win, it would reinforce their position as one of the strongest contenders to lift the continental trophy. For fans and analysts alike, Messi’s next match is not just about another goal; it’s a litmus test for the player’s longevity and the Argentine squad’s resilience.