Messi’s Heartbreaking Exit from Copa América Final
Lionel Messi’s tears flowed in the 64th minute of the Copa América final against Colombia as he suffered a non-contact injury that saw him leave the field. Johan Mojica, the Colombian defender, checked on Messi before signaling for medical assistance. Messi’s emotional distress was evident as he removed his captain’s armband, handed it to Ángel Di María, and limped off, replaced by Nico Gonzalez.
Despite his determination, Messi hasn’t been fully fit during the tournament. A similar incident occurred in the 36th minute when he grabbed his right ankle after a play, briefly leaving the pitch. His persistence saw him play full matches in the quarterfinals and semifinals, but his solitary goal in this Copa América underscores his struggle with injuries.
Speculation about Messi’s retirement continues, but Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, assured that the decision lies solely with Messi, emphasizing the team’s support for his choice. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Messi’s future remains a focal point, but a departure like this seems unimaginable for a player of his stature.
