The Sunday was all exciting for the football lovers. It has become more exciting for the double dose of two thrilling football events. On the big stage of the Copa America, Argentina faced Colombia. The hype of that clash was unbelievable. Fans were waiting to see the ‘Messi Magic’. Fans were disappointed as injured Lionel Messi was substituted out of Argentina’s Copa America 2024 final against Colombia at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Messi’s Injury Scare:
Argentina faced Colombia in the Copa America final after an impressive tournament season. The Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, suffered an ankle injury in the 64th minute, visibly in pain. The match ended 0-0 in regulation time, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winning goal for Argentina in the 112th minute. Martinez immediately ran to celebrate with Messi, who had signaled for assistance after injuring himself while chasing the ball. Later he was replaced by Nicolás González.
In the first half of the game, Lionel Messi awkwardly twisted his right foot in the 36th minute while trying to clear the ball. He grimaced and rolled over after colliding with Colombia’s Santiago Arias. Messi briefly left the field for treatment but returned to play. Later, his heavily swollen right ankle was iced, and he was visibly emotional on the sideline.
The injury marked a poignant moment for Messi and Argentina fans, highlighting the captain’s determination despite physical challenges. His emotional reaction on the sidelines reflected the intensity and impact of the injury, contrasting with Argentina’s eventual triumph in the tournament’s dramatic final moments.
Argentina Lifted the Copa America Trophy:
Argentina clinched their second consecutive Copa America title with Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the 112th minute. The final kicked off late due to crowd disturbances at Hard Rock Stadium but saw Argentina claim their third major title in a row after the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup victories, matching Spain’s feat. The win also halted Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak dating back to February 2022.
Martinez, who came on in the 97th minute, capitalized on Giovani Lo Celso’s precise pass to score his tournament-leading fifth goal. Positioned inside the penalty area, Martinez fired a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, sealing his 29th international goal and securing victory for Argentina.
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