Who needs Lionel Messi?
We’re joking of course, but his replacement for Argentina’s Copa America 2016 opener Monday night went a long way toward calming fans’ nerves with a near-goal in the opening minutes.
Messi started Argentina’s game against Chile on the bench as he recovers from a back injury, which meant Nicolas Gaitan joined the starting XI. Gaitan responded with a beautiful header that went off the crossbar.
Crossbar! Messi's replacement Gaitan nearly scores within two minutes. #ARGvsCHI #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/vcRzDsEax4
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) June 7, 2016
You’re always better off with a superstar in your lineup, but Gaitan did his best to fill Messi’s rather large shoes.
UPDATE (11:59 p.m. ET): Messi didn’t play, but his Argentina teammates did score twice in a 2-1 win.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
