SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA - MAY 27: Lionel Messi of Argentina leaves the field after being injured during an international friendly match between Argentina and Honduras at Bicentenario de San Juan Stadium on May 27, 2016 in San Juan, Argentina. (Photo by Soledad Nunez/LatinContent/Getty Images)
Argentina boss Tata Martino has told the press that Argentina will make a decision on Lionel Messi's status for their opener against Chile after evaluating his condition in training Sunday.
After injuring his back against Honduras, Messi trained separately from his teammates Saturday, but will take part in normal team activities under the watchful eye of the Biancocelesti staff.
Speaking to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, Martino said: "We're hoping [Messi] is available for the game. His presence will be decided last minute, because the lumbar region is very delicate. He's very eager to have a very good Copa and to win it. From the way I saw him, I shouldn't be worried."
Should Messi be deemed unfit to line up from the start, Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan will get the nod for Martino's side.
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