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During the second half of their Copa America 2024 final encounter against Colombia, Lionel Messi hobbled out due to an ankle injury. The Argentine sensation was spotted crying on the sidelines, but his teammates saved their captain by winning the Copa America championship.
After suffering an ankle injury in the 36th minute of the match against Colombia, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continued to play until the 66th minute, when he hobbled off the field in tears and strapped an ice pack onto his swollen ankle on the bench.
When the 37-year-old left the game with the score tied at 0-0, Argentina upped their game, and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time to give them a 1-0 win and their record 16th Copa trophy.
Messi took to Instagram to give an update about his injury. He wrote, “Copa America is over and the first thing I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I’m doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the court again enjoying what I love doing most.”
The former FC Barcelona winger added that, “We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group. Thanks to everyone who was supporting us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future, too. Let’s go Argentina.”
When will Lionel Messi return to action next?
While the exact nature of Messi's ankle injury is yet unknown, it is possible that he will miss a few Major League Soccer matches for Inter Miami. The picture of the swollen ankle does indicate that the winger was in a lot of pain but it does not seem like surgery would be required for this injury. Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s current club would be in action this Thursday but it would be quite some time before the Argentina skipper returns to the MLS.
In September, Argentina will play again in the World Cup qualifying round versus Colombia and Chile. South America is led by the Argentines. More information about whether Messi's legend will continue or finish with the continental title will be revealed during that international window.