Argentina
legend and World Cup winner
Lionel Messi
couldn't hold back his tears after he suffered a leg injury during the
Copa America final
against Colombia and had to be substituted.
The incident happened during the 64th minute of the match when Messi, while sprinting at full speed, suddenly stopped and immediately signalled to the dugout seeking medical attention.
He eventually walked out of the field after taking his right shoe off and was later seen crying uncontrollably in the dugout. As soon as the visuals of
Messi crying
came on the giant screen inside the stadium, the Argentina fans started screaming to cheer up their champion.
Argentina went on to successfully defend their Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0, thanks to a 112th minute strike by Lautaro Martinez after the game had remained goalless in regulation time.
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During the first half of the match, Messi fell while chasing a ball out of bounds and clutched his lower right leg. He continued after receiving some assistance from the trainers.
According to an AP report, Messi removed his captain's armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration as he left the field. An emotional Messi was later seen covering his face and sobbing on the bench.
Throughout the tournament, Messi had been dealing with a leg injury and discomfort. The severity of Messi's injury is not clear yet.