Lionel Messi had a premature end to his Copa America Final between Argentina and Colombia, as he was subbed due to an ankle injury during the match. The 37-year-old was subbed in the 66th minute of the match due to a non-contact injury, and went off the field in tears. As soon as he made his way to the dugout, the fans gave him a standing ovation, and chanted his name, as Messi couldn’t hold back his tears, in what is touted as his last Copa America match.
How Did Lionel Messi Get Injured in Copa America Final?
Messi tried to chase the ball that went out of bounds, that left him in an awkward position. In that bid he planted his right foot that bent in a wrong way. Soon after this happened, he rolled over the field several times, looked in excruciating pain, before leaving the field briefly, to get medical attention.
While the injury happened in the 36th minute of the match, Messi held his own, and continued to deliver for his team, as the match went scoreless even after the half-time. Eventually, he was replaced on the pitch by Nicolás González.
