Lionel Messi cries after leaving the Copa America final due to injury

Lionel Messi left the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday night with an apparent ankle injury.

The FOX Sports broadcast showed Messi crying as he sat on the bench watching his team for the final 30 minutes or so. It was a heartbreaking end for Messi as he helped lead the team back to the final to defend their title.

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Messi was initially injured in the first half when he fell to the ground near the byline after someone accidentally stepped on his foot. He was on the ground for several minutes before walking to the sideline and deciding to play out the rest of the first half. It looked like he was ready to compete for the rest of the match as he was seen making movements with the ball.

In the second half Messi fell again and this time for good.

He was seen leaving the field with the boot in his hand and his foot wrapped in ice.

Lionel Messi of Argentina calls for medical assistance after being injured during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Buddha Mendes/Getty Images)

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Argentina and Colombia were tied 0-0 when Messi left the field. Nico González came on in his place in the 66th minute.

Argentina won Group A and Messi scored a goal in the semi-finals to help the country beat Canada 2-0 and advance to the final.

Lionel Messi of Argentina gestures during the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Buddha Mendes/Getty Images)

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Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022. He has been playing in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami since last summer.

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