In a dramatic turn of events during Sunday's Copa America final against Colombia, Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, was forced to exit the game in the 66th minute due to a non-contact injury. The football world held its breath as Messi, who had been a pillar of resilience and brilliance, slipped and fell in the 65th minute.
The incident unfolded swiftly. Messi immediately signaled to the sideline that he needed to be substituted, betraying the severity of the injury. The initial observations suggested that his hamstring was the issue. Messi was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez, and the game continued with the scoreline locked at 0-0.
Emotional Exit
As Messi walked towards the bench with one shoe on, the distress was evident. Cameras captured a heart-wrenching moment as Messi burst into tears, the weight of the situation clearly overwhelming him. Chants of "Leo! Leo!" echoed throughout Hard Rock Stadium, a testament to the support and admiration he commands universally.
The injury wasn't entirely unexpected, considering Messi had already been fouled earlier in the match. In the 35th minute, Colombia's Santiago Arias challenged him hard, causing what seemed to be an ankle injury. Despite this, Messi managed to continue playing for another half hour, showcasing his characteristic determination and resilience.
A Troubled Tournament
Messi's troubles didn't start in the final. Earlier in the tournament, during Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile, he stepped away briefly, experiencing discomfort in his thigh. Although he completed the full 90 minutes against Chile, that discomfort seemed to return during the final match. Messi had even sat out Argentina's group stage finale against Peru, as Argentina had already secured their quarterfinal spot and opted to rest their star player to manage his fitness.
Reflecting on his condition, Messi had shared, "I felt some discomfort in my right hamstring at the beginning of the game. It was tight. It wasn't as loose as it should've been. But I was able to finish the game. We'll see how it goes." This precaution, however, didn't seem to suffice as his hamstring issue clearly surfaced more prominently during the final.
Defending Champions
As the defending champions, Argentina had entered the Copa America with high hopes, especially after their victorious campaign in 2021. The final match was a tense, goal-less battle, reflecting the high stakes and pressure both teams faced. Argentina, despite losing their star player, held their ground, maintaining their title contention status.
The full extent of Messi's injury and its implications for his future were not immediately known. His departure from the match has cast a shadow of uncertainty not just over his condition but also over Argentina's prospects in upcoming fixtures. The resilience shown by Messi in enduring his injuries will be a talking point for days to come. As fans and analysts await more information, Messi's health remains a critical concern.