Argentina and Chile coaches banned from next Copa America game

Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni and Chilean coach Ricardo Gareca have been suspended for one match and will not lead their national teams in their final Copa America group matches on Saturday, CONMEBOL announced on Friday.

Scaloni and Gareca were penalized for delay of game during their match last Tuesday, which Argentina won 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Argentina and Chile must also pay a fine of 15,000 US dollars to CONMEBOL for the violation.

The suspension adds even more excitement to Argentina’s game against Chile on Saturday, as both Scaloni and star Lionel Messi will miss the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Messi was ruled out due to discomfort from a right groin/abductor injury sustained in the game against Chile.

Argentina have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa America with six points in Group A after victories over Canada and Chile.

Chile, on the other hand, goes into its final match against Canada on Saturday at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando without a coach and with only one point in the group standings. Canada has three points, Chile and Peru have one point each.