Lionel Messi, injured during Argentina’s Copa America 2024 final against Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, was substituted out in the 64th minute. The Argentine captain suffered an ankle injury, visibly in pain before Nicolás González replaced him. The match ended 0-0 in regulation time, but Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal for Albiceleste in the 112th minute, rushing to celebrate with Messi who had earlier left the field.
Messi stumbled while chasing the ball, immediately signaling for assistance from Argentina's dugout. The 37-year-old, his right ankle heavily swollen, was later seen with an ice pack on the sideline, tears covering his face.
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Earlier in the first half, Messi awkwardly bent his right foot in the 36th minute while attempting to clear the ball, visibly in discomfort after contact with Colombia's Santiago Arias. He briefly left the field but returned to play despite ongoing leg issues that had also affected him earlier in the tournament, causing him to miss Argentina’s group stage finale.
Messi had expressed confidence before the final, despite previous injury concerns during the tournament, including an adductor issue against Chile and lingering discomfort against Ecuador in the quarterfinals.
The final match faced delays on Sunday due to crowd issues, with fans breaching security gates at the stadium entrance. Videos on social media showed fans, many in Colombia's colours, jumping over barriers amid chaotic scenes, leading to medical interventions due to the intense South Florida heat.
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