Injured Lionel Messi Subbed Out in Tears as Argentina Claims 16th Copa America title
Lionel Messi’s tears told the story of Argentina’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.
The match, already charged with intensity, took a poignant turn when the Argentine talisman limped off the field in the 66th minute, leaving fans and teammates alike holding their breath.
The trouble started in the 36th minute. Messi collided with Colombia’s Santiago Arias, and although he tried to continue, it was clear he was struggling. The crowd watched in hushed silence as Messi, who had carried Argentina through countless battles, hobbled off, his face etched with pain and frustration.
LIONEL MESSI LLORANDO POR SU LESIÓN, PRONTA RECUPERACIÓN EN ESTO NO HAY COLORES 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻pic.twitter.com/5uBa985RcP
— REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) July 15, 2024
An ice pack clung to his injured ankle as he sobbed on the sidelines, embodying the heartbreak of potentially missing out on leading his team to glory.
“Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem, but finally we were able to give him some joy,” said Angel Di Maria, Messi’s long-time friend and teammate.
Despite the setback, Argentina soldiered on, with substitute Lautaro Martinez stepping up as the hero. The match, already delayed by over an hour due to security issues, saw fans pour their emotions into every pass, tackle, and goal attempt. As the game moved into extra time, the stakes grew higher, and tensions boiled over on several occasions.
The physicality of the match was relentless. Flying elbows and harsh challenges peppered the game, and it nearly escalated into a full-blown brawl when Colombia’s Miguel Borja fouled Leandro Paredes.
Argentine players, incensed by the challenge, surged towards Borja, pulling on his shirt and shouting their discontent. The referee’s swift intervention prevented the situation from spiraling out of control.
Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time goal broke the deadlock, sending the Argentine fans into raptures. His strike, a testament to Argentina’s depth and resilience, secured a record 16th Copa America title for the Albiceleste. The stadium erupted in celebration, a stark contrast to the teary-eyed Messi who watched from the sidelines.
The victory also marked a perfect farewell for Angel Di Maria, who announced his retirement from international football after the tournament. The 36-year-old winger, instrumental throughout his career, called the triumph a dream ending.
“I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was the last Copa America and it ended here. I dreamt that I would reach the final, I dreamt that I would win it, that I would retire like this,” Di Maria said, his voice filled with emotion.
As the final whistle blew, Argentina’s players rushed to celebrate, their jubilation mingled with relief and triumph. Messi, despite his injury, joined his teammates, his earlier tears replaced by a wide smile. The victory was a testament to their collective spirit and determination.
In the end, Argentina’s triumph was not just a victory on the scoreboard but a powerful narrative of perseverance, team spirit, and the unyielding pursuit of glory.
For Messi, Di Maria, and the rest of the squad, this Copa America win will be remembered as a moment of shared joy, resilience, and a fitting chapter in Argentina’s storied football history.
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