A new photo shows the true extent of the damage to Lionel Messi’s ankle after the Argentina star suffered a nasty injury during the Copa America final.
The Inter Miami forward made an emotional exit from the field in the 64th minute after suffering an injury during a running challenge in the match that saw Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win a record 16th Copa America title.
Messi immediately looked at the Argentine bench as he went to the ground. He remained there for a few minutes while the medical staff came out. He was helped to stand and immediately removed his shoe from his right foot.
As he walked off the pitch, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner removed his captain’s armband and threw his boot to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face and sobbing in his seat.
A new photo has shown the incredible swelling around Messi’s right ankle which had swollen in size while he was on the bench. He was later seen applying ice to it, but it looks like he will be sidelined for a long time.
A new photo has revealed the true extent of the damage to Lionel Messi’s ankle
Messi, in what could be his final appearance for Argentina, was substituted in the 65th minute
Messi was immediately seen on the bench icing his ankle, but the swelling appeared to be severe
Messi also appeared to be limping after the match, but was apparently in good spirits.
He clapped and smiled and held up the trophy, along with his teammates Nicolas Otamendi and Angel Di Maria.
“We were able to win for him,” said Di María, “and give him joy.”
Messi was making his 39th and possibly final Copa America appearance and scored one goal in the tournament. He went down in the 36th minute after his left ankle was caught by Santiago Arias, but returned to the field three minutes later.
Messi has been struggling with a leg injury and discomfort for most of the tournament and missed Argentina’s group stage final, having attempted one shot in the first half on Sunday.
The Miami Dolphins’ final game at Hard Rock Stadium was delayed for more than an hour due to overcrowding and fans trying to break through security gates.
Videos emerged on social media showing fans jumping over security barriers at the stadium’s southwest entrance and running past police officers and stadium staff.
In the background, screams and shouts could be heard as people were crushed by the sheer crowd causing chaos.
Police Arrest Colombian Fan During CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final
Panicked fans try to enter Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday amid chaos
Colombia and Argentina fans try to pass through the gate amid mass unrest
A handful of people were seen receiving medical attention and asking for water in the sweltering South Florida heat.
Officers were able to push the crowd behind the barriers and close the entrance, preventing anyone from getting in. However, many fans with tickets had already found a seat.
Security initially opened the gates slightly to allow only a handful of fans in at a time, while other angry visitors pushed against the railing.
After the gates were closed again, security slowly let the fans in around 8:10 p.m. The new kick-off time was set for 9:15 p.m., but the commotion did not stop.
Once again, fans broke through the railing, allowing so many people in that the security scanners started moving back and forth.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes released a statement during the game indicating that the county had assigned more than 550 police officers to the stadium, plus other personnel from neighboring departments.
“Let us be clear: this situation should never have happened and must not happen again,” the statement said.
‘We will work with stadium management to ensure that a full review of tonight’s events takes place immediately so that the full chain of events can be evaluated and the necessary protocols and policies can be put in place for all future matches.’