Argentinian football superstar Lionel Messi is set to be out of action for around 40 days following a severe injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia on Monday. Inter Miami Confirms Lionel Messi’s Ligament Injury in Right Ankle. Messi was seen sobbing on the sidelines with an ice pack on his ankle after the incident. The Barcelona legend appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Colombia’s Santiago Arias. Although Messi received treatment and managed to continue playing, he was visibly hampered for the rest of the half.
Doctors examined Messi’s ankle and determined he would be unable to run properly for at least 14 days. They expect him to be match-fit in around 40 days. Argentina, the reigning World Champions and back-to-back Copa America title holders will face Chile in their next FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match on September 5.
During the Copa America 2024 final, Messi’s injury occurred in the first half after he was brought down by a Colombian defender. Despite receiving on-field treatment and returning to play, he faced further problems with his ankle in the second half and was eventually substituted by Nicolas Gonzalez. Messi, overcome with emotion, cried inconsolably as he left the field, leaving Argentina to continue without their captain.
The final was fraught with controversy, including a lengthy delay of over an hour due to security checks, which left many fans waiting outside the stadium. The first half was highly competitive, with Argentina unable to break Colombia’s defense, resulting in a goalless match after 90 minutes.
