They say there is no glory without pain, and that was certainly the case for Lionel Messi on Sunday.
Argentina secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Colombia in extra time to claim their second consecutive Copa America title and their third major championship in the past three years. However, the triumph came with a significant personal cost for Messi, who was forced to watch a substantial portion of the match from the sidelines.
The turning point came in the 64th minute when Messi, the legendary forward, suffered a non-contact ankle injury that left him writhing in pain on the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium. The severity of the injury was immediately apparent as Messi was helped off the field by trainers.
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A close-up of him sitting tearfully on the bench, his cleats and socks removed, revealed a severely swollen right ankle that looked alarmingly as if he had a softball under his skin.
Messi’s visible frustration and emotional state upon exiting the match were evident to all, including his manager, Lionel Scaloni. “Leo is the greatest player in history. He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and he wants to keep on playing,” Scaloni said post-game.
Scaloni continued, “I prefer those players and his teammates see that, that he is 30-something-years-old and he’s there and he wants to contribute. He wants to play not because he is egotistical or selfish. He wants to continue playing because he doesn’t want to abandon his teammates. He doesn’t want to leave them on the pitch even when he’s in that condition… He doesn’t feel well when he has to leave and he was born to be on the pitch.”
Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina managed to persevere. The breakthrough came in the 112th minute when substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal, securing the victory and the championship for Argentina. The win not only highlighted Argentina’s depth and resilience but also underscored Messi’s immense influence and leadership, even from the sidelines.
The sight of Messi cheering his teammates on from the bench, despite his own pain, was a poignant reminder of his dedication and love for the game. His commitment to his team, even when physically compromised, exemplified the spirit of a true champion.
As Argentina celebrated their hard-fought victory, the image of Messi’s swollen ankle served as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of glory. The win was a testament to Argentina’s collective strength and Messi’s indomitable will, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of football.