Lionel Messi pulled out of Argentina’s Copa America final against Colombia on Sunday night with an ankle injury.
The FOX Sports broadcast showed Messi sitting on the bench and watching his team in tears for the final 30 minutes. It was a heartbreaking ending for Messi, who led his team to the final and defended their title.
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Argentina’s striker #10 Lionel Messi (R) reacts after being injured and leaving the pitch during the 2024 Copa America tournament final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on July 14, 2024. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Messi was injured in the first half when he accidentally stepped on a ball and fell near the endline. He was down for several minutes before he decided to walk up the sideline and play the rest of the half. He looked ready to compete until the end as he was seen moving with the ball.
In the second half, Messi fell again, this time completely.
He was seen walking off the pitch with ice wrapped around his feet and his football boots in hand.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi seeks medical assistance after sustaining an injury during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Buddha Mendes/Getty Images)
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Argentina and Colombia were tied 0-0 when Messi left the pitch. Nico Gonzalez came on as a substitute in the 66th minute.
Argentina won Group A, with Messi scoring in the semifinals to beat Canada 2-0 and advance to the final.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi gestures during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Buddha Mendes/Getty Images)
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Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup. He has been playing in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami since last summer.
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