Status of Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi

The planet’s greatest player, a midfielder so preternaturally gifted he brings tears to his fans, comes limping into the Copa America Centenario showdown against Chile on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium with questions about his health.

Messi, 28, practiced on the sideline Sunday night at San Jose State, leading to speculation that he won’t be ready for the tournament’s biggest first-round matchup.

But the Copa America means the world to a player who left his hometown of Rosario at 13 to embark on a remarkable soccer journey in Barcelona.

Messi has won four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona, eight Spanish league championships, four Copa del Rey tournaments and three Club World Cups.

Messi-led Argentina finished second at the 2014 World Cup and last year’s Copa America won by host Chile on penalty kicks.

Martino, Messi’s former Barcelona coach who also once led Paraguay’s national team, faces similar heat from his country’s unforgiving fans.

Martino might have to do it without Messi, whose one Bay Area appearance came in 2009 during a Barcelona exhibition game at Candlestick Park.

“Whether Messi plays or doesn’t play, our soccer will not change.” Rafa Marquez and Hector Herrera scored late goals to lift Mexico over Uruguay 3-1 in an opening-round Copa America match Sunday night in Glendale, Arizona.

Josef Martinez slotted a left-footed shot under goalkeeper Andre Blake in the 15th minute and Venezuela beat 10-man Jamaica 1-0 in their Group C opener in the Copa America tournament in Chicago.