MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi’s night ended early during the Copa America final when he emotionally exited the field in the 64th minute with an apparent leg injury on Sunday night, and cameras showed him later on the bench with a badly swollen right ankle.

The 37-year-old appeared to suffer a noncontact injury while running full speed on the pitch as defending champ Argentina remained in a scoreless match against Colombia.

Messi immediately looked toward the Argentina bench as he went to the ground. He remained down for several minutes as trainers came out. He was helped to his feet and immediately took his shoe off his right foot.

As he walked off the field, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took off his captain’s armband and threw his shoe to the ground in frustration. An emotional Messi was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat.

Messi went down in the first half after landing awkwardly when chasing a ball out of bounds. He rolled over several times as he grabbed at his lower right leg. Trainers worked on the area for a few minutes before helping him to his feet. He walked slowly toward the sideline before returning to the game.

Messi had been dealing with a leg injury and discomfort through much of the tournament and missed Argentina’s group stage finale. He had one shot attempt in the first half Sunday.

Lionel Messi, the star forward for the Argentina national team, was forced to exit a recent match due to a suspected lower-body injury. The incident occurred during a crucial game against a tough opponent, leaving fans and teammates concerned about the extent of Messi’s injury and his ability to continue playing in upcoming matches.

Messi, known for his exceptional skill and agility on the field, appeared to be in discomfort as he limped off the pitch with the help of team medical staff. The exact nature of his injury has not been confirmed, but reports suggest that it may be related to his lower body, possibly his hamstring or calf muscles.

Injuries are a common occurrence in professional sports, especially in high-intensity matches like the one Messi was participating in. The physical demands of the game can put strain on players’ bodies, leading to muscle strains, sprains, and other injuries.

For Messi, who is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, any injury could have significant implications for both his club team, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentina national team. As a key player for both teams, his absence could impact their performance in upcoming matches and tournaments.

It is crucial for Messi to receive proper medical attention and rehabilitation to ensure a speedy recovery and prevent further complications. The team’s medical staff will likely conduct tests to determine the extent of his injury and develop a treatment plan to help him get back on the field as soon as possible.

In the meantime, fans and teammates will be anxiously awaiting updates on Messi’s condition and hoping for a speedy recovery. His presence on the field is irreplaceable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by both his club and national teams.

As one of the most talented and beloved footballers in the world, Lionel Messi’s health and well-being are of utmost importance. We can only hope that he makes a full recovery and returns to the pitch stronger than ever.