New Delhi: Argentina captain Lionel Messi was in tears on the bench after being substituted in his team’s clash against Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final on Monday, July 15. Messi broke down and couldn’t control his emotions as an injury forced him to leave the game midway.
It was a heartbreaking scene to witness for thousands of Argentina fans present inside the stadium, who were expecting a Messi special in the final. The incident took place in the 64th minute of the final when Messi tipped and went down on the ground. While the status of the injury remains unknown, the Argentinian talisman appeared to have twisted his ankle.
The replays showed Messi going down on the ground and struggling to walk as he had to be subbed off eventually. The ace forward was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez of Fiorentina by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. Messi leaving the field left the Argentinian supporters in a state of shock as they went silent in the final.
The camera panned towards Messi after he sat on the bench and the Argentina captain was caught shedding tears as he broke down. The video of Messi in tears went viral on social media, leaving his fans heartbroken around the globe.
Watch Lionel Messi in tears after being subbed off in Copa America final:
Lionel Messi in tears 💔
— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) July 15, 2024
Lionel Messi in tears after being subbed out due to injury 💔 pic.twitter.com/gzZtbGmxLB
— Bő (@MutedBo) July 15, 2024
The first half between Argentina and Colombia ended goalless in the final as both teams failed to break the deadlock despite creating a few promising chances. Colombia dominated possession and were the better team in terms of stats but defending champions Argentina too showcased their quality albeit failing to score the opener.
Copa America 2024 final heads to extra time
The Copa America 2024 final is set to head to extra time after both Argentina and Colombia failed to score the opener in the regulation time of 90 minutes. An extra 30 minutes will be added to the final for both teams to salvage the opportunity and clinch the trophy. If the final remains goalless after the extra time, the winner will be decided on penalties.
Lionel Messi was in tears as the Argnetina captain broke down on the bench after an injury forced him to be substituted during the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia on Monday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
