Lionel Messi Breaks Down In Tears As Injury Forces Him Out Of Argentina vs Colombia Copa America Final- WATCH

Lionel Messi was visibly emotional, crying on the sidelines, as an injury to his right ankle forced him out of the Copa America final play.

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina national football team, was visibly emotional after sustaining an injury during the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia on July 15 (as per the Indian Standard Time) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA. In the 64th minute, the Argentina captain suffered an ankle injury and was visibly in pain before being substituted by Nicolas Gonzalez. However, Argentina went on to win their record 16th Copa America title as Lautaro Martinez scored the match's only goal in the 111th minute in extra time.

During the first half, 37-year-old Messi collided with Colombian defender Santiago Arias while trying for a cross, resulting in an injury to his right ankle. Medical staff rushed onto the field to assess him, and after a brief check, he returned to play. However, his injured ankle troubled him again in the second half. This time, the medical team decided to take him off the field and Nicolas Gonzalez came on as his replacement. Messi left the field in tears, unable to continue in Argentina's final against Colombia.

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Lionel Messi In Tears After Injury Forces Him Out In Copa America Final

Later, as the cameras panned towards the Argentine camp, Messi was observed on the sidelines, tears streaming down his face, as his right ankle was heavily wrapped with an ice pack.

Messi's Injury-Laden Copa America Run

Messi also sustained an injury during Argentina's group stage match against Chile. The incident occurred when Chilean defender Gabriel Suazo fouled him. Messi got up visibly in pain and was promptly attended to by Argentina's medical team.

Fans are anticipating that this game marked Messi's last appearance in a major tournament but the Argentine star is yet to say anything regarding that.

The Copa America final was marred by controversy and significant delays. A large number of ticketless fans caused chaos, leading to an initial 30-minute delay, later extending to 75 minutes. The match, scheduled to start at 5:30 AM IST, began much later.