Forward, Lionel Messi, was forced off with an obvious right ankle injury in the second 45 minutes of Argentina’s lone goal triumph in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday 14 July, 2024.
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| Lionel Messi and Argentina teammates lift the Copa trophy after beating Colombia 1-0 in the final of the Copa America 2024 on Sunday 14 July, 2024 |
Lautaro Martinez netted the winning goal for Argentina in extra time to earn Argentina their 16th Copa crown and third consecutive major tournament title after winning the Copa 2021 and the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In the 64th minute, Messi fell to the field and instantly signalled his concern to the Argentina bench.
He remained down for several minutes before being helped to his feet and taking his boot off his right foot, and replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez.
In his post-match comments, Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina said: “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.
“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.”
