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Heartbroken Lionel Messi cries his eyes out on bench

Heartbroken Lionel Messi cries his eyes out on bench
Published 10 months ago on Jul 15, 2024

Lionel Messi's quest for Copa America glory with Argentina took an unexpected and heart-wrenching twist.

 The 37-year-old captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was forced to leave the field in tears during the final match against Colombia, casting a shadow over what would ultimately become Argentina's triumphant night.

The incident occurred in the 66th minute of the hotly contested final, held in Florida on Sunday night. Messi, who had earlier stumbled awkwardly while chasing the ball in the first half, was unable to continue despite receiving medical attention. As he reluctantly made his way off the pitch, replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez, the emotional weight of the moment became palpable.

Cameras captured the Barcelona icon on the bench, inconsolable and weeping openly as the reality of his situation sank in. The sight of Messi, a player known for his composure and brilliance on the field, reduced to tears, resonated deeply with fans and fellow players alike. Later footage revealed the extent of his injury, with shocking swelling visible on his right ankle after he removed his sock.

Despite Messi's absence, Argentina managed to clinch a hard-fought victory. Lautaro Martinez, the Inter Milan striker, emerged as the hero of the night, scoring the winning goal eight minutes from the end of extra time. The 1-0 victory not only secured Argentina's second consecutive Copa America title but also marked their third major tournament triumph in a row, following their success in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.

The bittersweet nature of the win was not lost on anyone present. As his teammates celebrated on the field, Messi's injury served as a stark reminder of the physical toll exacted by top-level football, especially on players in the twilight of their careers. Nevertheless, in a display of leadership and team spirit, Messi joined his fellow Argentinians to lift the trophy, his pain momentarily overshadowed by the joy of collective achievement.

This Copa America held particular significance for Messi, as he had previously announced it would be his last. In a statement earlier in the week, he had said, "For me, it's the last Copa. We played the last World Cup. [Di Maria, Otamendi] and I are playing the last battles and we are enjoying it to the fullest." This declaration added an extra layer of poignancy to his premature exit from the final.

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Lionel Messi's quest for Copa America glory with Argentina took an unexpected and heart-wrenching twist.

 The 37-year-old captain, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, was forced to leave the field in tears during the final match against Colombia, casting a shadow over what would ultimately become Argentina's triumphant night.

The incident occurred in the 66th minute of the hotly contested final, held in Florida on Sunday night. Messi, who had earlier stumbled awkwardly while chasing the ball in the first half, was unable to continue despite receiving medical attention. As he reluctantly made his way off the pitch, replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez, the emotional weight of the moment became palpable.

Cameras captured the Barcelona icon on the bench, inconsolable and weeping openly as the reality of his situation sank in. The sight of Messi, a player known for his composure and brilliance on the field, reduced to tears, resonated deeply with fans and fellow players alike. Later footage revealed the extent of his injury, with shocking swelling visible on his right ankle after he removed his sock.

Despite Messi's absence, Argentina managed to clinch a hard-fought victory. Lautaro Martinez, the Inter Milan striker, emerged as the hero of the night, scoring the winning goal eight minutes from the end of extra time. The 1-0 victory not only secured Argentina's second consecutive Copa America title but also marked their third major tournament triumph in a row, following their success in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.

The bittersweet nature of the win was not lost on anyone present. As his teammates celebrated on the field, Messi's injury served as a stark reminder of the physical toll exacted by top-level football, especially on players in the twilight of their careers. Nevertheless, in a display of leadership and team spirit, Messi joined his fellow Argentinians to lift the trophy, his pain momentarily overshadowed by the joy of collective achievement.

This Copa America held particular significance for Messi, as he had previously announced it would be his last. In a statement earlier in the week, he had said, "For me, it's the last Copa. We played the last World Cup. [Di Maria, Otamendi] and I are playing the last battles and we are enjoying it to the fullest." This declaration added an extra layer of poignancy to his premature exit from the final.

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