Why was Lionel Messi crying? Argentina star left emotional after subbing out of Copa America final

Bryan Murphy

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Why was Lionel Messi crying? Argentina star left emotional after subbing out of Copa America final image

Sunday night was an emotional roller coaster for Lionel Messi.

The Argentina star felt the ups and downs of battle on the pitch, as he watched from the sidelines as his country sealed its win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. With the victory, it secured the nation's 16th Copa America title, the most out of any participant at the tournament. 

Messi was among those in jubilation as Lautaro Martinez broke a scoreless tie in the 112th minute, eventually leading to the 1-0 win for Argentina. Like the rest of his countrymen, he was ecstatic to win the title. 

However, earlier in the game, tears flowed down his face — and they weren't tears of joy. 

MORE: When will Lionel Messi retire?

The Sporting News explains why Messi was seen crying at the Copa America final. 

Why was Lionel Messi crying?

Messi has poured his heart and soul into the game of soccer. The result of Sunday's championship match against Colombia was bound to be an emotional one as is, due to the fact that it was the final Copa America match in his career. 

So when the La Albiceleste star was forced to leave in the 65th minute with an ankle injury, it was understandable why he would be in tears. Playing in Miami, where he already has a massive fan base as a member of MLS squad Inter Miami, Messi was unable to finish the final and he was seen emotional on the Argentina bench as a result. 

MORE: Why was the Copa América final delayed? 

Messi exited the game to a thundering applause from his supporters in the crowd. He sobbed in the dugout as the reality of the situation set in. 

Lionel Messi injury update

Messi left the Argentina-Colombia Copa America final in the 65th minute due to an ankle injury.

The standout striker was tracking back to contest Colombia's Luis Diaz when he lost his footing and crumbled to the ground.

He gestured toward the training staff as he laid down on the turf at Hard Rock Stadium. After spending a few minutes on the ground, he eventually got himself up and limped off the pitch. He ripped his cleat off and chucked it into the dugout in frustration.

MORE: Full injury history for Lionel Messi

There did not appear to be any contact made between the Argentina star and the Colombia player, signaling a potential non-contact injury. Based on the pictures of his swollen ankle, it's understandable why Messi was unable to continue in the high-stakes match. 

Sunday night marked the final Copa America contest of Messi's career. While lifting a trophy was the result he wanted, he surely did not envision himself on the sidelines as the final whistle blew for the competition. 

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.