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A visibly distraught Messi could not hold back the tears after being forced off in the showpiece match against Colombia due to a severe ankle injury.
Lionel Messi was uninvolved for the final half-hour of normal time and the entirety of extra time as Argentina retained their Copa America title by defeating Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium.
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What happened?
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07:44 - 15.07.2024
Copa America: Lionel Messi and Co retain title thanks to substitute Lautaro Martinez
Argentina are still Copa America champions following a hard-fought victory against Colombia on Monday morning.
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Nico Gonzalez replaced the Albiceleste captain in the 66th minute due to the 37-year-old sustaining an ankle injury and the Inter Miami player struggled to hold back the tears in the dugout.
Messi’s ankle was visibly swollen afterwards, and he could barely walk at full-time when Lionel Scaloni’s men gathered in their post-match huddle while awaiting the extra 30 minutes.
Lautaro Martinez seals 16th Copa America win
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07:47 - 15.07.2024
Highlights: Close up photos from Copa America final
A summary of events from Copa America in photos.
With Messi off, Argentina’s most decisive player at the finals, Lautaro Martinez, notched his fifth of the competition in the decider with eight minutes of the 30 remaining to seal back-to-back triumphs for Scaloni’s side.
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The Inter captain had notched goals against Canada, Chile and a brace against Peru en route to the showpiece encounter in Miami.
Martinez’s goal not only ended Colombia’s 28-match undefeated run since March 2022, but it secured Argentina’s 16th Copa America title and a third consecutive triumph at the major competitions, including the 2022 World Cup success.
What comes next for Messi?
Messi had struggled with physical problems during the continental showpiece where he received treatment against Chile for a seeming hamstring issue before getting a rest in the final group match against Peru.
The ramifications of the latest setback are still unknown.
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