Time: 2024-06-30
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has been suspended for one match due to the team's late return for the second half in Copa America matches against Canada and Chile. Scaloni will miss the upcoming match against Peru, and Chile coach Ricardo Gareca has also been suspended for the same reason. Argentina, the defending Copa America champion, has already secured a spot in the knockout stages. The team needs a draw against Peru to secure first place in Group A.
Scaloni's suspension has caused the Argentina Football Association to be fined $15,000. Assistant coach Walter Samuel will take charge of the team in Scaloni's absence. The late returns by Argentina's players after halftime have led to disciplinary action by CONMEBOL. The team's professionalism has been called into question, with players and coaching staff receiving criticism for the delay in re-entering the pitch.
In the match against Canada, Argentina's players, including Lionel Messi, did not immediately re-enter the pitch after halftime. This led to a warning from CONMEBOL for a first offense, followed by a ban and fine for the second violation during the match against Chile. The delay in Argentina's return prompted criticism from Canada's head coach, Jesse Marsch, who questioned whether Argentina would be fined for the incident.
Despite the suspension of coach Scaloni, Argentina is set to finish on top of Group A with a draw in their upcoming match against Peru. The team will then face the runner-up in Group B in the knockout stages. However, star player Lionel Messi is day-to-day with an injury picked up during the match against Chile. The team will have to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches in the tournament to defend their Copa America title.
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