Lionel Messi left the 2024 Copa América final with a non-contact injury Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The Argentine legend was trying to chase down Colombia's Luis DÃaz when he fell to the turf in pain. The captain was subbed out in the 66th minute of a scoreless final, replaced by Nicolás González. Messi slammed his right boot to the turf in frustration as he left the pitch.
The Inter Miami CF star, who shook off a possible ankle injury late in the first half, was in tears on the Argentina bench with his right ankle wrapped in ice.
Messi was trying to lead Argentina to their third consecutive major championship, after guiding La Albiceleste to the 2021 Copa América title, followed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Thanks to Lautaro MartÃnez's 112th-minute goal, Argentina repeated as Copa América champions, winning 1-0 in extra time, Messi celebrating with his teammates. It was their 16th all-time Copa América title.
The 37-year-old had a goal and an assist across five appearances in this Copa América. Messi scored his lone goal of the tournament in the 2-0 semifinal win over Canada. It was his 109th international goal, becoming the second-highest-scoring player in men's international soccer.
Before leaving for Copa América, Messi had 12g/13a in 12 games this season for Supporters' Shield-contending Inter Miami, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach 25 goal contributions.
