Lionel Messi pulled out of Sunday night’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia with an apparent ankle injury.
The Fox Sports broadcast showed that Messi burst into tears on the sidelines and sat on the bench to watch the last 30 minutes or so of the team’s game. It was a heartbreaking end for Messi as he helped his team return to the finals to defend their title.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Argentina forward No. 10 Lionel Messi (right) reacts after leaving the field injured during the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on July 14, 2024 . (Charlie Triballe/AFP via Getty Images)
Messi was initially injured in the first half when he accidentally stepped on his foot and fell to the ground as he approached the end line. He was frustrated for a few minutes, then walked to the sideline and decided to play out the second half. When he was seen moving with the ball, he seemed ready to play the rest of the game.
In the second half, Messi fell to the ground again, this time for good.
He was seen walking off the court with sneakers in hand and ice on his feet.
Argentinian player Lionel Messi after being injured during the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on July 14, 2024 Call for medical assistance. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Spain’s late Oyar Zabal’s title smash England’s Euro 2024 dreams
After Messi came off the field, Argentina drew 0-0 with Colombia. In the 66th minute, Nico González came on as a substitute.
Argentina won Group A and Messi scored a goal in the semi-finals to help Argentina defeat Canada 2-0 and advance to the final.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi makes a gesture during the 2024 Copa Sudamericana final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Messi helps Argentina win the World Cup in 2022.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Gathering Newsletter.
