Lionel Messi's thigh injury means he'll miss Argentina's Copa America match against Peru, leading to a 22% drop in ticket prices—apparently, fans aren't only interested in goals, but groins too.

The absence of Lionel Messi from the upcoming Copa America match against Peru has not only dashed the hopes of millions of fans but also slashed ticket prices by 22%. While Argentina's spot in the quarter-finals is already locked in, head coach Lionel Scaloni is benched for tardiness, leaving assistant coach Walter Samuel to manage a possibly Messi-less team. Peru, desperate for a win to proceed, might just face Argentina's future stars, among whom Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Carboni are expected to appear. In a match where empty seats might outnumber Peru's chance at victory, the real loser of the evening could be the scalpers.

Lionel Messi sustained his injury during Argentina's narrow 1-0 win over Chile, putting an unfortunate wrinkle in his otherwise stellar performance this tournament. The global superstar expressed hope that his injury was 'nothing serious,' adding that he's navigated through worse situations. Just recently, Messi had to power through a sore throat and fever earlier in the tournament, ensuring fans got their Messi fix even if it was a slightly less vigorous version.

With Messi sidelined and head coach Lionel Scaloni suspended for the upcoming match, Argentina's footballing plans look more like a Shakespearean comedy than a matchday strategy. In Scaloni's absence, assistant coach Walter Samuel will step into the spotlight, stepping over the challenges where coaches' time management and players' health have both become crucial points.

Argentina is expected to utilize the opportunity to rest several key players against Peru, already having secured a quarter-final spot. This match could see the senior team making room for their youthful counterparts. Emerging talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Carboni might get some much-needed playtime while the seasoned pros rest their legs—after all, why risk additional injuries when a ticket to the next stage is already in the bag?

Peru, on the other hand, finds themselves jammed between a rock and a broken goalpost. They need nothing short of a win against Argentina and a little help from the cosmos in the form of a Canada loss to Chile in order to advance further in the tournament. One might say the universe has assigned them a terrible group project with impossible deadlines, especially with Messi's known thigh/groin injury keeping him out of the match. Argentina has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals, which might lead them to rest some key players, potentially giving Peru a glimmer of hope.

Before the news of Messi's injury rippled through the interwebs, the average ticket price for the Argentina vs. Peru match stood at a staggering $515. However, with fans sensing a Messi-less game, the market saw ticket prices plummet by 22%—a movement more rapid than Messi's last dash before being sidelined. Even the scalpers were spotting empty pockets in a match where empty seats might outnumber Peru's chance at victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Argentina managed a comfortable 2-0 win against Canada despite Messi not performing at his peak. It's a testament to the depth and flexibility of the Argentine squad; they can still weave through opponents without the constant reliance on their star man. This also offers a glimmer of hope for fans and officials that the team can handle the upcoming match sans Messi’s wizardry.

With Messi on the mend and expected to be fit for the quarter-final match scheduled on July 4, Argentina's primary concern remains to make it through the Peru clash without racking up additional injuries or red cards. The fans might be disappointed about the temporary loss of their hero, but they'd undoubtedly prefer a healthy Messi for the matches that matter the most.

This isn't the first time Messi's health has dictated the sway of a soccer ball. His sheer presence on the field leaves a noticeable impact on fan emotions and market dynamics. The recent news of his injury led to a significant decrease in ticket prices for the Argentina vs. Peru match, illustrating how his absence can influence economic factors surrounding the game - it's as if the market itself is emotionally invested in Messi's well-being.

As the Argentine squad tinkers with its lineup, fans may be treated to a preview of the team's future. Garnacho and Carboni stepping onto the field could be more than a consolation prize, offering a glimpse into what's to come beyond Messi's inevitable twilight years. It presents a rare but welcome opportunity for the younger talents to step up and shine—possibly giving Peru more to worry about than they bargained for.