Argentina reeling as Barca star Lionel Messi is set to miss Copa America opener with Chile due to back injury

CROCKED Lionel Messi seems certain to miss Argentina’s Copa America opener against Chile on Monday night.

The Barcelona superstar, 28, hurt his back in a friendly against Honduras 10 days ago.

Messi’s absence would be a huge blow to the tournament as it vies for the global spotlight this summer with Euro 2016.

But it would be an even bigger headache for Argentina, who lost to Chile in last year’s Copa America final.

Messi trained on his own in a bid to be fit.

But he is likely to be replaced by Benfica wideman Nicolas Gaitan, 28.

Argentina boss Tata Martino insists he is unsure of Messi’s fitness.

But Martino has talked up Gaitan as the Argentines attempt to end their run of 23 years without a major trophy – which is also the biggest block on Messi’s CV.

He said of Gaitin: “I don’t expect him to do things like Leo.

‘I want him to be Nico, to be himself more than ever.

“He is fast, he passes the ball very well, he dribbles very well. He’s a complete player, an ideal replacement.”

And Martino revealed a decision will be made soon on Messi.

Martino said: “We will wait for training in the afternoon, then we can find out about his situation.
“Three of us must speak, because it will be us three making the decision.

“I’m going to have the last say in it but I can’t ignore the player, who is not just any kind of player, and his unique impact in this team, and of course the doctor about the risks we might be taking.”

Argentina's recent woe in big tournaments includes their extra-time defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and last year's anguish in a penalty shootout against Chile.

Martino said: "Even if we played Chile in the final, it wouldn't be revenge. It's just a new opportunity."

Chile chief Juan Antonio Pizzi hopes to repeat the 2015 feat of former boss Jorge Sampaoli, who left in January after a bizarre saga in which he was even linked to Chelsea at one stage.

Pizzi claimed Chile will replicate the 'intense' and 'aggressive' style used last year's clash with Argentina.

He said: "In my mind, the thinking is to win Chile's second Copa America.
"Everyone recognises this national team's evolution and identity, and now it's my turn to take the work done over the last 10 or 13 years. I hope that I can keep improving it."

And of Messi's absence, he said: "'Any team would be changed by Messi's participation or not."
Messi, though, should be fine for later matches against Panama (June 11) and Bolivia (June 15).

Napoli sensation Gonzalo Higuain is again likely to keep Manchester city striker Sergio Aguero out of the Argentina team.

Paris Saint-Germain's former Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria and Barcelona's Liverpool star Javier Mascherano also appear to be certain starters for the Argentines.