Lionel Messi in tears as he leaves Copa América final with injury

Lionel Messi left Sunday night’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia with an ankle injury.

Fox Sports broadcaster showed Messi in tears as he sat on the bench watching the team for about 30 minutes to go, a heartbreaking end to a game that had seen the Brazilian lead the team to the final and help them defend their title.

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Messi was injured in the first half when he was accidentally stepped on and fell near the goal line. After lying on the ground for a few minutes, he walked to the sideline and decided to play the rest of the half. He was seen moving with the ball and looked ready to play for the rest of the match.

In the second half, Messi collapsed again, this time for good.

He was seen walking off the field with his cleats in his hands and ice on his feet.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi seeks medical help after sustaining an injury during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on July 14, 2024. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

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The score was 0-0 between Argentina and Colombia when Messi was sent off and he was replaced by Nico González in the 66th minute.

Argentina won Group A and advanced to the final after beating Canada 2-0 in the semi-finals, with Messi scoring a goal.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi gestures during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

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Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022. He has been playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer since last summer.

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