COPA AMÉRICA 2024

What is Lionel Messi’s injury in the Copa América final?

The Argentina captain was substituted midway through the second half at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

MADDIE MEYERAFP

Lionel Messi was withdrawn during Argentina’s Copa America final against Colombia, sparking real concern about the 37-year-old’s injury status.

The Argentina captain went down in the first half after getting his leg tangled with Santiago Arias while trying to put in a cross. He received treatment on his right leg but was able to hobble on until the halftime break and then received additional attention.

He made it twenty minutes into the second half before falling to the ground after an innocuous challenge on the halfway line. He was seen with ice on his right ankle on the bench after being substituted, tears rolling down his face. As Messi watched on form the sidelines his ankle appeared to be swelling severely, showing why he was forced to leave the game.

Live updates: Argentina - Colombia

When the teams left the field at the end of regular time, long-time teammate and friend Angel di Maria went straight over to Messi to check on his well-being. The fact that he was able to remain sitting on the bench after being substituted is a positive for Messi, but the length of his recovery is still unknown.

More on this breaking story as it develops...

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