Argentina Coach Gives Update On Lionel Messi’s Injury

The head coach of the Argentina national team, Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi wasn’t severely injured in the 2024 Copa America final.

The 2024 Copa America final ended in mixed feelings for Lionel Messi. His team beat Colombia 1-0 courtesy of an extra-time goal from Inter Milan forward, Lautaro Martínez.

With the slim victory, Argentina won their record 16th Copa America title and Lionel Messi became the player with the most trophies in the history of football (45 trophies).

However, things didn’t go perfectly for the Inter Miami forward as he was forced out of the 2024 Copa America final due to an ankle injury. He sustained the injury due to the “poor state of playing turf” at the Hard Rock Stadium.

After he was substituted, Messi was filmed weeping furiously as he watched his team struggle against a very resilient Colombian side in the second half of the game. To his relief, Martínez’s 112th-minute strike gifted him his second Copa America title in a row.

After the game, Lionel Scaloni told reporters that Messi’s injury was mild and he is expected to return to his Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, as soon as possible.

“It was a mild challenge. He will be fit to return to action with his club. Our medical team are on top of the situation,” Scaloni said.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winning coach added: “He’s the best in history and, even with an ankle like that, he doesn’t want to go off. It’s not because he’s selfish, but because he doesn’t want to let his teammates down. He was born to be on a pitch”.