Lionel Messi injury: Argentina coach's update on ankle issue during Copa America final

Lionel Messi didn’t want to leave the pitch after suffering an ankle injury during Argentina's Copa America final win over Colombia on Sunday night but was physically unable to continue.

Argentina's 1-0 victory was secured in extra-time by Serie A top scorer Lautaro Martinez, who entered the game just five minutes earlier.

But Messi had been forced out of the final just over an hour in and was seen holding his right ankle, having removed his boot and sock, whilst supporting his teammates from the bench.

"Leo has something that everyone should have. He's the best in history and, even with an ankle like that, he doesn't want to go off," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said afterwards. "It's not because he's selfish, but because he doesn't want to let his teammates down. He was born to be on a pitch."

After years of disappointment with Argentina, falling short in major finals in 2007, 2014, 2015 and 2016, this was Messi's third international success in the space of four years after previously winning the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.

At this stage, there is no indication of how long Messi might be sidelined for.

The 37-year-old’s club side, Inter Miami, are midway through their 2024 season and playing at the Copa America has already seen him miss five games since his last appearances at the start of June.

Miami have five games across the MLS regular season and the Leagues Cup before August ends.

Messi has helped Miami challenge for top spot in the Eastern Conference this season, having led the way until a shock 6-1 defeat by FC Cincinnati that saw them leapfrogged.

He has already struggled with injuries, missing a handful of games in March and May, but has still scored 12 goals in 12 league appearances, with a further nine assists. It would therefore be a blow for Miami, who finished second last in the East last year, to lose him any considerable length of time, despite winning four of their five games during his Copa America absence.

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