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, securing Argentina’s record 16th Copa crown and their third consecutive major tournament title following their Copa win in 2021 and World Cup victory 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 attended to him before being helped to his feet and immediately taking off his right shoe.
As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner removed his captain’s armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing on the bench, while TV cameras revealed his severely swollen right ankle.
He was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez.
Messi had earlier gone down holding his right ankle after a strong challenge in the first half. The Inter Miami player chased the ball and attempted to kick it before it went out of bounds, planting his right leg awkwardly and appearing to take contact from Colombia’s Santiago Arias.
The 37-year-old writhed in pain and rolled over several times, clutching his lower right leg. Trainers worked on the area for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. He walked slowly toward the sideline before reentering the game.
Messi had been dealing with a leg injury and discomfort throughout much of the tournament and missed Argentina’s group stage finale. He had one shot attempt in the first half on Sunday.
The final was tied 0-0 when Messi exited, but he watched from the sidelines as his team battled to a hard-fought victory over a tough and talented Colombia team that had gone unbeaten in 28 straight games.