Argentina win Copa final as Messi exits in tears

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 to earn Argentina their record 16th Copa crown and third consecutive major tournament title after winning the Copa in 2021 and the World Cup 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 came out before being helped to his feet and immediately taking his shoe off his right foot.

As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took off his captains armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat, while TV cameras also showed that his right ankle was severely swollen.

He was replaced by Nicolás González.

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 tried to kick it before it went out of bounds. He planted his right leg awkwardly and appeared to take contact from Colombia’s Santiago Arias.

The 37-year-old writhed in pain and rolled over several times as he grabbed at 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 through much of the tournament and missed Argentina’s group stage finale. He had one shot attempt in the first half Sunday.

The final was tied 0-0 when Messi exited, but he watched on from the sidelines as his team gutted out the win over a tough and talented Colombia team that had gone unbeaten in 28 straight games.

“Leo is the greatest player in history. He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and he wants to keep on playing,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the game.

“I prefer those players and his teammates see that, that he is 30-something-years-old and he’s there and he wants to contribute. He wants to play not because he is egotistical or selfish.

“He wants to continue playing because he doesn’t want to abandon his teammates. He doesn’t want to leave them on the pitch even when he’s in that condition … He doesn’t feel well when he has to leave and he was born to be on the pitch.”

Information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.