An injured Lionel Messi was inconsolable in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami on July 14. The Argentina skipper was struggling with an ankle injury. In the 65th minute he took a fall and called the trainers for help.
Earlier, he got injured in the 36th minute but got back on his feet. He could not run as fast as he could and eventually fell on the ground in the second half. He was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez on the pitch. Messi removed the captain armband and sat on the sideline with an ice pack on his right ankle.
Like Cristiano Ronaldo was inconsolable after getting injured in European Championship 2016 final, Messi was in similar state too as he knew he won’t be able to contribute for the rest of the match.
No goals were scored in the regulation time.
Kick-off delayed due to security breach
Earlier, the kick-off was delayed for more than 30 minutes as fans breached the security gates to get inside the stadium. Mostly, Colombia fans sporting yellow and red colours jumped over security railings near the Southwest entrance of the stadium. It was total chaos as video of Colombia fans climbing through vents.
There was screaming heard in the background and a few people got injured and received medical treatment.
"These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium," Miami-Dade County's police department said in a statement. "We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested."
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
