Lionel Messi in tears after suffering injury during Copa America final

Lionel Messi was left in tears after suffering a non-contact injury in the Copa America final. In the 63rd minute of Sunday’s match between Argentina and Colombia, Messi attempted to chase down winger Luis Diaz when he lost his footing and came crashing to the ground. Argentina went on to win the game 1-0 in extra-time thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s goal.

The 37-year-old appeared to be in a considerable amount of pain, immediately calling for trainers to come assist him. After remaining down on the ground for several moments, Messi took off his cleat and limped off the pitch under his own power. Upon reaching the Argentine sideline, he angrily tossed his shoe and sunk into his seat.

Once he sat down, Messi could no longer contain his emotions, letting out a wave of tears while burying his face in his hands. According to Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft, teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Di Maria were the first to rush over and embrace him when regulation ended in a 0-0 tie.

Earlier in the 36th minute of the first half, Messi suffered another injury scare while attempting to save the ball before it crossed out of bounds. After getting off a kick near the end line, the Argentine captain awkwardly planted his right foot and appeared to have his left ankle rolled up on by Colombia’s Santiago Arias.

• England fans convinced Spain goal was offside after Euro 2024 heartbreak

• BBC cut off Gareth Southgate mid-interview after England lose to Spain

Messi was seen wincing in agony, clutching his lower right leg after a rough tumble on the turf. The team’s medical staff rushed to him and tended to the area for an extended period before helping him to his feet. He was able to come back in soon after and play through the pain.

Entering play Sunday, Messi was already dealing with a nagging leg injury that had affected him throughout this year’s Copa America. Last month, he was unable to participate in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru in the group stage finale.

Questions are swirling about whether Sunday could be Messi’s final bow in the Copa America. After a stellar performance netted him his 109th international goal for Argentina against Canada, the Inter Miami sensation hinted at his future with his national team, saying: “As I’ve said before, I intend to continue.

“I intend to keep living day by day without thinking about what will come in the future or whether I’ll continue or not. It’s something I just live each day. I’m 37 years and only God knows when the end will be.”