Lionel Messi, the Argentina star whose mere presence brings thousands to a stadium, was taken out of La Albiceleste’s Copa America final clash with Colombian the 65th minute after appearing to suffer a non-contact leg injury.
The 37-year-old wasn’t able to conjure up his usual magic for much of the first half, blotted by a resolute system of man-marking enacted by Colombian manager Nestor Lorenzo.
Just as he appeared destined to get himself into the game, however, Messi was felled by an untimely ailment. He returned from an initial blow and still looked fairly limber as the first half wore on.
In the second, however, he saw his dreams of contributing to a second Copa America title turn into ashes.
Here’s what you need to know as Messi leaves Hard Rock Stadium due to injury.
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Lionel Messi injury update
In the 63rd minute, Messi attempted to track back to contest Luis Diaz’s dribble into space.
As he pulled up towards Diaz, however, Messi lost his footing. He crumbled to the ground in a heap, gesturing towards the bench as he laid on the turf.
Messi goes down in pain here pic.twitter.com/dsg8f7j8mz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
After a short spell on the canvas, medical personnel tended to the diminutive playmaker. He held his hands to his head and limped off the field, ripping his shoe off and throwing it into the dugout as he exited to the game.
Messi threw his shoe in frustration after coming off the pitch pic.twitter.com/jGqwbrZQuR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
MORE: Why was the Copa América final delayed?
Messi left the game to a raucous applause. He sobbed as he sat in the dugout, seemingly overcome with emotions.
Messi is full of emotion as he comes off early in the Copa América
2024 Final 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/DUkls7YCsa
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
Messi overcame an earlier issue — what looked to be a lower leg injury — in the first half.
This time around, however, Messi was unable to continue. It’s unclear quite what Messi’s injury was that led to his departure. However, a look at his ankle during extra time didn’t paint a pretty picture.
Messi’s ankle 😳 pic.twitter.com/fdRxGID1Vx
— Caesars Sportsbook & Casino (@CaesarsSports) July 15, 2024
He see his Copa America journey finish with one goal in five matches this year.
Now, he’ll look towards his teammates to take home home the gold against a formidable Colombian threat.
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