Miami Gardens, Florida – Lionel Messi’s night ended early in the Copa America final on Sunday night. He dramatically fled the field in the 64th minute with an apparent leg injury, and cameras subsequently showed him on the bench with a severely swollen right ankle.
Lionel Messi Exits Copa America Final With Apparent Leg Injury, Ankle Swollen
The 37-year-old looked to have a noncontact injury while running on the field as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 for their record 16th Copa America title.
As he fell to the ground, Lionel instantly looked toward the Argentina bench. He remained down for several minutes until the trainers arrived. He was brought to his feet, and his shoes were promptly removed from his right foot.
As he went off the field, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner removed his captain’s armband and flung his shoe on the ground in disgust. An emotional Lionel was then observed concealing his face and sobbing in his seat.
Messi appeared limping after the game, but he seemed in high spirits. He celebrated with colleagues Nicolás Ottamendi and Ángel Di María, clapping and laughing as they lifted the trophy.
“We were able to win for him,” Di María remarked, “give him the joy.”
Lionel Messi Exits Copa America Final With Apparent Leg Injury, Ankle Swollen
Lionel, making his 39th and possibly final Copa America appearance, scored one goal. He went down in the 36th minute after Santiago Arias caught his left ankle, but he returned to the pitch three minutes later.
Lionel had been struggling with a leg injury and discomfort for most of the competition, missing Argentina’s group stage final. He attempted one shot in the first half on Sunday.
SOURCE | AP
