Lionel Messi was forced off with an apparent right ankle injury in the second half of Argentina’s 1-0 Copa América final win over Colombia at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal for Argentina in extra time to earn Argentina their record 16th Copa crown and third consecutive major tournament title after winning the Copa in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.
Messi collapsed to the field in the 64th minute and immediately signaled his concern to the Argentina bench. He remained down for several minutes as trainers came out before being helped to his feet and immediately taking his shoe off his right foot.
As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took off his captains armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration.
An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat, while TV cameras also showed that his right ankle was severely swollen.
He was replaced by Nicolás González. Messi had earlier gone down holding his right ankle after a strong challenge in the first half.
The final was tied 0-0 when Messi exited, but he watched on from the sidelines as his team gutted out the win over a tough and talented Colombia team that had gone unbeaten in 28 straight games.
