During the second half of the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Argentina captain Lionel Messi was devastated when he had to leave the game due to an injury.
In the 64th minute of the game, as both teams struggled to score, Messi was clearly in pain as he collapsed to the ground, holding his ankle. It appeared that he may have twisted his right foot awkwardly, leading to the injury. The World Cup-winning captain was then quickly substituted by Nicolás González.
Messi limped off the field, carrying his right shoe in his hand, and then angrily threw it aside. With 26 minutes remaining in regulation time, he sat on the bench, tears streaming down his face. Overcome with disappointment from his injury and the inability to continue in the final, he covered his face and wept profusely. His teammates then came over to console him.
Broadcast footage revealed that Messi’s right ankle was wrapped in ice as the Miami crowd chanted “Messi, Messi.” In response, Colombian fans countered with “James! James! James!”
