Messi: Lionel Messi looks likely to miss Argentina’s most important match of the opening phase of the Copa America against title holders Chile at Santa Clara, California tonight. Messi has not trained with his team since he suffered a back injury in a warm-up friendly 10 days ago, a 1-0 win over Honduras in Argentina.

Bernardeschi: Italy youngster Federico Bernardeschi wants to use today’s friendly against Finland to stake his claim for a place in the starting line-up at Euro 2016. “I’m the youngest in the group,” Bernardeschi, who was a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over Scotland in Malta yesterday week, said. “I think I’m one of the surprise selections but I’ve worked hard for this. I won’t be happy to just be here, we can all dream as a team and individually.”

Bailly: Manchester United are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Villarreal defender Eric Bailly. AS and radio station Cadena SER reported that the clubs have reached an agreement in principle on a deal worth up to €40m fee for the 22-year-old.

Guinea Bissau: Guinea Bissau topped their standings and qualified for the African Nations Cup finals without kicking a ball yesterday, adding their name to a list of unlikely achievements in the African game in recent years. Guinea Bissau will play in next year’s finals in Gabon for the first time after being assured of top place in Group E. Their triumph came after Congo let slip an early lead and lost 2-1 away against Kenya in Nairobi yesterday to leave Guinea Bissau in an uncatchable position at the top.

Serie B: Promotion play-off final (first leg) – Pescara vs Trapani 2-0. Second leg: June 9.

Lega Pro: Promotion play-off final (first leg) – Pisa vs Foggia 4-2. Second leg: June 12.