Argentina edge out Colombia in Copa America 2024 as Lionel Messi gets subbed out early

Colombia and Argentina contested in the final of the Copa America 2024 and it was surely an enthralling watch for the fans all over the world. The two teams were giving it their all but were not able to get the finishing touch when required the most. The game went into extra-time after the two nations could not be separated within the normal time.

In the second half of extra-time, Lautaro Martinez, who came on as a substitute after normal time broke the deadlock and gave the defedning champions the all-important lead. The Inter Milan striker's excquisite run and finish was enough to get the opener in this game. Argentina held onto the lead and were able to secure a record-breaking 16th Copa America title.

Argentina and Colombia's 2024 Copa America final was delayed by over an hour due to crowd issues at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Videos coming from the stadium posted on different platforms depict a crush of people outside the stadium gate and a stampede-like scene once it opened. They also show police detaining spectators who entered the stadium without a ticket and spectators without a ticket attempting to enter the stands via the ventilation system of the venue.

What happened to Lionel Messi during the Copa America 2024 final?

After suffering a non-contact injury during the 68th minute of Argentina's Copa America 2024 final versus Colombia on Sunday night, Lionel Messi had to leave the game. Argentina's captain and idol, Lionel Messi, left the Copa America 2024 final during the 68th minute due to a non-contact injury that affected his lower thigh.

Fans yelled his name and offered him an enthusiastic response as he left the field in tears, unable to control his emotions at being forced to quit the game. The game was 0-0 at the point of his exit, with neither team really posing a danger to the other. Messi performed his part in a highly competitive game, finishing 85% of his passes, creating one significant opportunity, and hitting one goal.

Halfway into the first half, Messi took a knock, and he spent the next two minutes on the field getting medical attention. Still, he managed to carry on. The team's medical personnel will assess the injury's severity in the next few days.