MIAMI GARDENS: Argentina captain Lionel Messi limped off with an apparent ankle injury in the second half of their Copa America final against Colombia on Sunday, bringing an end to what is likely the 37-year-old’s last international tournament.
The Inter Miami forward went down off the ball in the 64th minute and left the field to a standing ovation from fans at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was then seen sobbing on the sidelines, with an ice pack on his ankle.
Messi appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias and while he got back to his feet after receiving treatment he was clearly hampered for the remainder of the half.