Messi wins another Copa America title despite his tears due to injury substitution in final | OneFootball

Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi clinched his second Copa America title with the national team. However, this triumph came with a heavy price.

In the 65th minute of the match between Argentina and Colombia, a heartbreaking moment unfolded for football fans worldwide.

Messi had to leave the field due to an injury, and the sight of him in tears was a poignant one. Many believe this might be his last Copa America, and no one anticipated such a dramatic and painful conclusion.

Injuries have troubled Messi recently

Messi had already missed a group stage match due to an earlier injury and had been carefully managed throughout the competition.

Lionel Messi left the pitch in tears. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

During the final against Colombia, he experienced a scare in the first half after a challenging play with Arias, which left his ankle swollen.

Despite this, he continued to play, but his determination couldn’t prevent a more serious injury in the second half.

While sprinting, Messi suffered what appeared to be a muscle injury in his hamstring. The entire stadium rose to their feet, offering a thunderous ovation as they bid farewell to the iconic player.

Once on the bench, Messi’s emotions overflowed, and he couldn’t hold back his tears. It was a heart-wrenching scene, especially for those who have followed his illustrious career.

Despite not being at his peak performance in this game, Messi remained the key player capable of creating opportunities for Argentina in the final third.

Lautaro Martinez’s redemption

Lionel Messi’s ankle appeared to be swollen. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Eventually, the match’s hero emerged in the form of Lautaro Martinez, who scored the only goal of the final in the 112th minute.

His decisive strike came after a brilliant assist from Giovani Lo Celso, as he managed to beat Vargas one-on-one. After celebrating the goal with his teammates on the field, Martinez’s first act was to head to the bench to console Messi, who was still visibly upset.

Messi’s journey with the national team has been filled with highs and lows, but his passion and dedication have always shone through. Despite the physical toll and the emotional strain, he has remained a symbol of excellence and inspiration.

As Argentina prepares for their next big test, the legacy of Messi’s contributions will undoubtedly continue to motivate and uplift his teammates and fans alike.