2024-07-15 10:45:02
Lionel Messi prematurely left Sunday night’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia during the second half with an apparent ankle injury.
The 37-year-old soccer icon get subbed off after 65 minutes of play in what might be his final major international tournament.
Messi took a fall and immediately called for help from trainers. It appeared Messi was trying to run as fast as he could, but he just tripped over himself.
With his captain armband is off and his right cleat removed, Messi slowly walking off the pitch. Messi was later seen on the Argentina sideline with an ice pack on his right ankle and covering his face while crying.
Messi was replaced on the pitch by Nicolás González.
FOX Sports cameras later showed the severity of the swelling in Messi’s right ankle.
Messi hurts ankle in first half
During the first half, Messi tried to chase and hit a ball before it went out of bounds. He planted his right foot, which bent in an awkward position before getting the kick away. Messi grimaced in pain and rolled over several times toward the field to be evaluated by trainers.
Messi eventually stood up to walk off on his own power, but not without a visible limp. The injury happened at the 36th minute of the first half, and Messi eventually returned to the game.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
