Lionel Messi's Heartbreaking Ankle Injury: An Emotional Farewell?

Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina, sustained an apparent ankle injury during the Copa America final against Colombia, likely his last international tournament. The 37-year-old Inter Miami forward received a standing ovation and was seen in tears with an ice pack on his ankle after limping off the field.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi limped off with an apparent ankle injury in the second half of their Copa America final against Colombia on Sunday, potentially marking the 37-year-old's final appearance in an international tournament. The Inter Miami star went down off the ball in the 64th minute and exited the field to a standing ovation from fans at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

The eight-times Ballon d'Or winner was observed sobbing on the sidelines, with an ice pack on his ankle. Messi seemed to have injured his ankle in the 36th minute after colliding with Santiago Arias. Although he got back on his feet after receiving treatment, he was visibly hampered for the remainder of the half.

(With inputs from agencies.)