WATCH : ‘Emotional’ Lionel Messi breaks down in tears after being forced off the pitch in Copa America final due to injury

Lionel Messi was inconsolable after being forced off the pitch against Colombia in the Copa America final.

WATCH : ‘Emotional’ Lionel Messi breaks down in tears after being forced off the pitch in Copa America final due to injury

Lionel Messi was in tears as he came off the pitch in the second half against Colombia (Via IMAGO and X/@TheEuropeanLad)

Argentina went head-to-head with Colombia in the Copa America final on Monday. Lionel Messi led his side onto the pitch as both sides prepared to battle it out over a shot at glory. In a close and cagey encounter, the Argentine skipper had a moment of bad fortune as he picked up an unfortunate injury. Seemingly unforced, Messi was seen tumbling to the ground in the early minutes of the second half.

Despite his best efforts to continue, Messi was evidently struggling to walk on the pitch. Cameras captured the No. 10 throwing his boot to the ground in frustration as he took his seat on the bench. Minutes later, the crowd witnessed heartbreaking scenes as Lionel Messi broke down in tears in the wake of his injury. He was subsequently replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez on the left wing.

It is understood that Messi picked up an injury at the end of the first half but chose to remain on the pitch for the second half. After being subbed off, fans were treated to the severity of his injury as cameras picked up the 37-year-old’s swollen right ankle.

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Judging by the player’s emotional reaction, it cannot be ruled out that Messi just played his last game for La Albiceleste!

Lionel Messi’s underwhelming Copa America tournament comes to an end

Not many would’ve thought that Lionel Messi would end the 2024 Copa America campaign with just one goal and one assist to his name. After starting his campaign against Canada with an assist, Messi went on to pick up an injury against Chile, which would go on to trouble him for the rest of the competition.

Lionel Messi & James Rodriguez
Lionel Messi ended his 2024 Copa America campaign with just 2 G/A (Via X/@copaamerica_ENG)

The No.10 was rested in the final group stage game against Peru before the quarterfinal game against Ecuador. The player ended up missing a crucial penalty in the shootout that followed but was bailed out by Emiliano Martinez and the rest of the penalty takers. His only goal of the tournament came in the semi-final against Canada in a comfortable 2-0 victory.

After giving the crowd flashes of brilliance in the opening minutes, he caused concern after staying down for too long following a coming together near the touchline. After a lengthy half-time break, Messi returned to the pitch but was quickly forced off after realizing the severity of his injury. As the stage closes on yet another International tournament, it is to be seen whether Messi has just played his final game for Argentina on a grand stage.

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