Lionel Messi sustained a leg injury during the 2024 Copa América final after his left ankle was caught by an opponent. This incident forced him to exit the crucial match.
The Incident in Detail
During the Copa América Final in 2024, Messi, representing Argentina, went down in the 36th minute of the game. The injury occurred when his left ankle was struck by Santiago Arias, a player from the opposing team. Although Messi initially returned to the field approximately three minutes after the collision, he later had to leave the match due to the discomfort and injury.
This specific event compounded an existing issue, as Messi had reportedly been dealing with leg injury and discomfort throughout much of the tournament, even missing Argentina's group stage finale. The collision in the final exacerbated these pre-existing conditions, leading to his eventual withdrawal from the game.
For a clearer overview of the injury event, see the table below:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Copa América Final 2024 |
| Minute of Incident | 36th minute |
| Opponent Involved | Santiago Arias |
| Body Part Affected | Left ankle (contributing to a broader leg injury and discomfort) |
| Initial Response | Briefly returned to play after 3 minutes |
| Final Outcome | Exited the match due to the exacerbated leg injury |
| Contributing Factor | Pre-existing leg discomfort and injury throughout the tournament |
Context of the Injury
Messi's injury in the 2024 Copa América final was a significant moment, not only for him personally but also for the team's prospects in the high-stakes match. His absence highlighted the physical toll of competitive football, especially in a demanding tournament where he had already been managing prior discomfort.
- Tournament Strain: Messi's body had been under considerable strain through the tournament, with reports of existing leg issues.
- Crucial Timing: The injury occurred in a final, a game of immense importance for national pride and championship glory.
- Impact on Play: Despite the pain, Messi attempted to continue, showcasing his dedication before the injury became unmanageable.
This incident underscored the challenges top athletes face in maintaining peak physical condition throughout rigorous tournament schedules. For more details on the event, you can refer to reports from AP News about Messi's injury in the Copa America final.
