Lionel Messi exited Argentina’s Copa América final against Colombia on Sunday night with a non-contact injury after chasing the ball on defense. Messi, 37, limped off of the pitch in tears.
Earlier in the match, Messi went down with an apparent leg injury. Messi chased the ball and tried to kick it before it went out of bounds. He planted his right leg awkwardly and appeared to take contact from Colombia’s Santiago Arias.
The 37-year-old writhed in pain and rolled over several times as he grabbed at his lower right leg. Trainers worked on the area for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. He walked slowly toward the sideline before reentering the game.
Messi had been dealing with a leg injury and discomfort through much of the tournament and missed Argentina’s group stage finale. He had one shot attempt in the first half Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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