Lionel Messi plays down injury fears after knock in Argentina's Copa America win over Chile

Messi, playing just a day after turning 37, received treatment on his right thigh for almost two minutes after being kicked by Gabriel Suazo in the 24th minute of Tuesday night's match.

Despite the injury, Messi continued playing, helping the defending champions secure a spot in the quarterfinals. He later told reporters that the injury was "nothing serious.“ He added: "It‘s bothering me slightly, but I managed to finish the match. It was difficult to move freely, especially laterally. We‘ll assess it tomorrow.“

Messi also mentioned that he has been dealing with a sore throat and fever recently. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, said during the post-game press conference that he had not yet spoken with Messi but wasn't too worried about the injury.

Scaloni noted Messi‘s sprint covering half the length of the field with Ángel Di María and Lautaro Martínez late in the game. "That‘s my lasting image,“ Scaloni commented.

Martínez netted the only goal after a scramble following Messi‘s corner in the 88th minute. Scaloni mentioned plans to rest several starters in Argentina‘s final Group A match against Peru on Saturday in Florida.

Argentina will top the group unless they lose to Peru in Miami Gardens and Canada defeats Chile simultaneously in Orlando.

The Canadians can surpass Argentina on goal difference, with Argentina currently at plus-three and Canada at minus-one.