AMERICAN superstar Lionel Messi sobbed in Argentina’s technical area, after being substituted in the 66th minute due to injury, in the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia.

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Messi burst into tears when he had to leave the field early in the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

Messi was injured in the 37th minute. In an attempt to cross the ball, his leg tangled with Santiago Arias, while both were thrown off the goal line.

Colombian defender signaled no intentional collision.

Messi then received medical attention and returned to limping. Before entering this tournament, health issues were a concern for the 1987-born legend.

Messi was then able to continue playing, before receiving further treatment at halftime.

The organizers’ arrangement of Shakira’s performance is said to have increased the rest time from 15 to 25 minutes, inadvertently giving Messi more time to heal his injury.

However, 19 minutes into the second half, Messi suddenly fell to the ground while chasing the ball without making contact with an opponent in the middle of the field.

Before that, he only shielded the ball from Luis Diaz’s closing attempt.

Messi held his leg in pain and was visited by Colombian defender Johan Mojica.

Mojica then signaled for the referee and medical staff to come closer to examine the situation.

Messi grimaced at the pain. He got up, said a few words to the referee, then lay back down on the field and waited for the medical team.

Messi was given cold compresses and cold spray to relieve the pain but it was ineffective. Center back Lisandro Martinez came to shake hands with his senior to encourage him. Finally, Argentina decided to replace Messi with Nicolas Gonzalez in the 66th minute.

Messi left the field without a shoe on his right foot. He limped, looked down and became emotional.

After returning to the team’s technical area, Messi covered his face and cried. Midfielder Leandro Paredes sat next to him and tried to comfort his senior.

The image of Messi crying was shown close-up on television and on the big screen at Hard Rock Stadium. Many Argentine fans present at the stadium could not hold back their tears when witnessing it. After that, they chanted Messi’s name in unison.

Messi’s emotional image reminds of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Euro 2016 final .

Messi’s right ankle was badly swollen as he sat on the Argentina bench watching the two teams play extra time.

Argentina’s team doctors then applied ice to Messi’s ankle.

Messi is 37 years old, and has admitted that the 2024 Copa America could be the last major tournament of his career. When the 2026 World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada in two years, the former Barca and PSG striker will be 39 and is unlikely to be fit enough to participate.

Fans break down gate to enter Copa America 2024 final stadium 33