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 match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, saw Messi slip and fall in the 65th minute, leaving fans and teammates in shock.
Immediately following his fall, Messi signaled to the sideline, indicating that he needed to be substituted. The initial assumption was that his hamstring was the issue. Nicolas Gonzalez promptly replaced the distressed captain, as the score remained locked at 0-0.
As Messi walked to the bench with only one shoe on, he sat down, visibly distressed. The cameras captured the emotional scene as Messi burst into tears, a moment that resonated deeply with the fans. Chants of "Leo! Leo!" echoed throughout the stadium, illustrating the supporters' deep connection and concern for their star player.
Opening Minutes Marked by Physical Challenges
The match had already been physically taxing for Messi, who was fouled in the 35th minute by Colombia's Santiago Arias. This encounter seemingly injured Messi’s ankle. Despite the pain, he managed to continue playing for another half hour, demonstrating his determination and resilience.
Reflecting on the game, Messi noted, "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."
A Pattern of Injuries
This hamstring issue wasn't entirely new for Messi. He had previously experienced discomfort in his thigh during Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile. Although he played the full 90 minutes in that victory, he had stepped away from the field briefly when the discomfort first surfaced. Additionally, Messi sat out Argentina's group stage finale against Peru, a strategic decision as Argentina had already secured their quarterfinal spot by then.
As defending champions, Argentina entered the tournament with high expectations, having won the Copa America in 2021. The final against Colombia turned into a tense, goal-less battle, where every move was scrutinized, and every player's health became a critical focus.
Uncertain Future
Messi's sudden departure from the game has left fans and analysts speculating about the full extent of his injury and the potential implications for his future play. The visible distress and the need to be substituted hint at a possibly more serious issue, although detailed reports on the injury were still awaited.
The intense atmosphere of the final, coupled with the unexpected turn of events surrounding Messi's injury, has added a layer of poignancy to what was already a high-stakes match. Fans can only hope for a swift and complete recovery for the football legend, as Argentina's journey in the tournament continues to unfold without their iconic leader.