Argentina successfully defended Copa America title but it was not a thoroughly smooth night for their frontman, Lionel Messi.
The prolific playmaker was overshadowed by Colombia’s intense and more physical play. Shouldering the burden of helping the team scrape pass a hard-fighting Colombians, it was not a rosy ride for the Inter Miami sensation. He managed a few touches of the ball, tried to setup Lautaro Martinez but could not find a way through.
Colombia effectively marked out the Ballon d’Or winner, hence stifling Argentina’s chances. While Leo would have hoped to continue in the game and possibly made his presence felt later on, he bumped into his worst moment in the second half.
Six minutes after the hour-mark, he attempted to make a ball recovery from an opponent and then awkwardly stumbled and fell to the ground.
Down on the floor, he raised his hands in agony and was quickly attended to by Argentina medical team. However, he could not continue the match and was subbed off with Gonzalez coming on in his place. After limping off the field, the footie legend was seen in the bench crying.
Why was Lionel Messi crying after being subbed off in the 2024 Copa America final?
Like every other footballer, Messi has suffered multiple injuries but rarely shed tears.
Known for his creativity and great playmaking roles, all eyes were on the legendary midfielder as he sets out to make history again at the Hard Rock Stadium. Having established himself as the man of the big occasions, he had apparently hoped to help Argentina make history. However, it didn’t turn out as he expected as he missed the rest of the game due to the injury.
Moreover, the Copa America 2024 may likely be his last campaign with the team as he nears the twilights of his career. Hence, it was hard to be subbed off when the team needed him the most.
How Hard Rock Stadium contributed to Messi’s injury
There have been questions over the state of the Hard Rock Stadium pitch after footage of Messi’s injury went viral. From the footage, it could be seen that the footie ace’s boot was stuck inside the turf. The accidental turf break twisted his ankle, forcing him down to the ground.
The footage has further raised questions over the capability of the USA to host the 2026 World Cup given the quality of the pitch in which the final of the continent’s premier football competition was played.
Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, gives update on Messi injury
With Messi’s swollen ankle going viral, there were concerns the iconic footballer could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Thankfully, that will not be the case. Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, speaking after the match, confirmed it was a mild injury and the player will be fit to return to action with Inter Miami soon.
“It was a mild challenge. He will be fit to return to action with his club. Our medical team are on top of the situation,” Scaloni said.
Scaloni also revealed Messi did not want to come off despite the injury and had wanted to continue with the game.
“He’s the best in history and, even with an ankle like that, he doesn’t want to go off. It’s not because he’s selfish, but because he doesn’t want to let his team-mates down. He was born to be on a pitch,” he added.
Away from the scary incident, Messi was able to smile again after the match. He was seen leaping with joy after Argentina won at the final whistle. Lautaro Martinez’s extra time goal was enough to hand the Albiceleste victory.
Messi will hope to recover fast and continue his career with Inter Miami after the Copa America triumph.
