Lionel Messi’s evening came to an abrupt end during the Copa America final as he made an emotional exit from the field in the 64th minute due to an apparent leg injury on Sunday night. Cameras captured him later on the bench with a significantly swollen right ankle.
The 37-year-old seemed to sustain a noncontact injury while running on the field as Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Colombia to claim their record 16th Copa America title.
Upon falling to the ground, Messi immediately gestured towards the Argentina bench. After some time, trainers arrived, helping him to his feet and assisting in removing his shoe from his right foot.
While leaving the field, the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner removed his captain’s armband and expressed frustration by throwing his shoe to the ground, visibly upset. Subsequently, an emotional Messi was seen covering his face and in tears while seated.
Messi appeared to be moving with a slight limp after the game but was reportedly in good spirits. He cheered, laughed, and lifted the trophy alongside teammates NicolĂĄs Ottamendi and Ăngel Di MarĂa.
âWe were able to win for him,â Di MarĂa remarked, âgive him the joy.â
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In what could be his 39th and final Copa America appearance, Messi managed one goal in the tournament. He previously suffered an injury to his left ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias but returned to the field shortly after.
Messi had been grappling with leg discomfort throughout much of the tournament and had missed the group stage finale for Argentina. He only had one shot attempt in the first half of Sunday’s game.
The Copa America tournament showcases top national teams from North and South America. The United States experienced a disappointing outing this year, failing to advance past the group stage following defeats to Bolivia and Uruguay.
The next Copa America competition is scheduled for 2028.
