Argentinian legend Lionel Messi was left distraught after limping off the field with a suspected foot injury during Monday’s Copa America final against Colombia in Florida.
In the 64th minute of the must-win contest at Hard Rock Stadium, Messi collapsed to the deck while chasing after the ball, lying on the turf in distress following the non-contact injury.
After gingerly trudging towards the dugout, the 37-year-old struggled to contain his emotions, breaking down in tears while watching his teammates push for a late winner.
The Argentinian captain replaced by Nico Gonzalez.
Cameras later showed that Messi’s ankle was heavily swollen following the incident.
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Earlier during the first half, Messi also copped a whack to his left ankle via a challenge from Colombia’s Santiago Arias.
Team medics raced out to aid the footballer, but he was able to see out the first half.
Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2021 Copa America, potentially may have played his final major tournament for his nation of birth — he will be 39 when the next FIFA World Cup kick off.
The start of Monday’s final was delayed by over an hour after dozens of fans attempted to force their way into the venue.