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.
Messi is full of emotion as he comes off early in the Copa América
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
2024 Final 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/DUkls7YCsa
Stop showing Messi crying. I don't want to cry too
— Berneese (@the_berneese_) July 15, 2024
pic.twitter.com/ClR5ZXC48U
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.
Messi goes down in pain here pic.twitter.com/dsg8f7j8mz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
Messi crying !💔💔💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/E4udPN8pyz
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) July 15, 2024
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.
Messi threw his shoe in frustration after coming off the pitch pic.twitter.com/jGqwbrZQuR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
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.
The swelling of Messi's ankle 😮 pic.twitter.com/M3cgzIpyf6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 15, 2024
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.
