New Delhi: Lionel Messi had to leave the field in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia, sparkling the concerts about the 37-year-old’s injury concerns. Argentina’s talisman went down in the first half after getting his leg tangled with Santiago Arias while trying to put the ball in a cross. He received treatment on his right leg but continued playing.
Lionel Messi was substituted with Nicolas Gonzalez in the 64th minute after he fell to the ground after an innocuous ankle injury.
Messi was seen crying, covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench. The departure ended his participation in the match, which became a testament to his team’s resilience.
As Messi watched the rest of the match from the sidelines, his ankle appeared to be swollen severely. Lautaro Martinez scored the sole goal of the match in the 112th minute which saw the Argentine side lift the trophy for the 16th time.
Messi’s swollen ankle 😬 pic.twitter.com/dtZ1mQUogV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo, then 31, collided with France’s Dimitri Payet in the ninth minute of the final. He suffered a Grade 1 anterior cruciate ligament sprain in his left knee. He fell to the ground in the 17th minute but returned after a brief absence from the field. Despite receiving the initial treatment and attempting to continue was forced to leave the field in tears after 25 minutes.
Sounds similar? Here’s more. Both the finals concluded with a 1-0 victory. Each was decided by a late goal. Portugal won 1-0 after extra time with a goal from Eder in the 109th minute. That year, Ronaldo became the first player to reach three European championship finals and Messi, in this edition, became the first player to feature in five Copa America finals.
2016: Ronaldo leaves EURO Final with injury, Portugal wins 1-0 in ET 🏆
2024: Messi leaves Copa América Final with injury, Argentina wins 1-0 in ET 🏆
Can’t keep a 🐐 down pic.twitter.com/x8cc8Q2WIJ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 15, 2024
Both teams rose to the occasion and won the championship for their captains. The parallels between the historic moments highlight the unpredictable nature of football and the undying determination of players. Both legends Messi and Ronaldo, even in their absence, played crucial roles in their teams’ triumph.
The uncanny similarities provide a fresh perspective on the narratives that sports have the ability to deliver drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments even for some of its most celebrated players.
Tears, Triumph and Twin Tragedies! Lionel Messi’s injury mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s in Copa win. Learn about the uncanny parallels between these football legends. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
