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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi’s participation in the Copa America final concluded prematurely when he had to leave the field in the 64th minute due to a suspected leg injury. Shortly afterward, he was spotted on the bench with a significantly swollen right ankle.
The 37-year-old Argentine seemed to injure himself without any contact from other players while on the field, as Argentina clinched its record-setting 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0.
Messi signalled to the bench immediately after falling and stayed on the ground for a few minutes while receiving medical attention. He was assisted to his feet and quickly removed his shoe off his injured foot.
While exiting the field, the visibly upset eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient removed his captain’s armband and angrily tossed his shoe. Cameras later captured a tearful Messi covering his face while sitting on the bench.
Despite his injury, Messi showed a more cheerful demeanor after the match. He was seen limping, yet clapping, laughing, and even lifting the trophy along with teammates Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Di María.
Di María commented on the victory, noting it was especially gratifying as it brought joy to Messi.
This game marked Messi’s 39th Copa America match, which might be his last in the tournament. He scored once this year but had to briefly leave the game earlier after a challenge from Santiago Arias impacted his left ankle. After the injury scare, he resumed playing within minutes.
Throughout the tournament, Messi faced ongoing leg issues and sat out during Argentina’s last group match. He managed only one shot in the first half of Sunday’s finale.