(VIDEO) The sad images of Messi crying that went viral after being subbed off in the Copa America final

Lionel Messi could have just played his final game with the Argentina national team in the Copa America USA 2024 Final as he suffered a terrible injury during the match. The Argentine legend had to be subbed off by Lionel Scaloni as he appeared to pull a muscle while trying to chase after the ball. Messi slipped on the pitch and quickly went down to the ground in pain and asked to be subbed off. Messi couldn't continue anymore, and the legend of football started to cry while walking off the pitch. Messi couldn't contain his emotions when he sat on the bench, and the cameras captured his intense crying. Many Argentine football fans fear that he may soon be retiring from the national team and perhaps professional football in general. This game is the last one for Angel Di Maria, and Messi's injury could have made him decide whether to retire from the national team for good.

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The image was so shocking and heartbreaking for football fans to see. The fans quickly were reminded of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also devasted during the EUROS when his penalty kick was saved by Jan Oblak in the Round of 16 match against Slovenia. Football fans are afraid to say that the end of their careers may be closer than ever, especially after this summer, when the two struggled to perform at their best with their national teams.

Initially, football fans thought that Messi was fouled by a Colombian player, but in the replay, it showed a completely different story. Luis Diaz had the ball, and Messi tried to chase the player who had the ball ready to attack. As he attempted to go for the ball, he slipped slightly and immediately went down in pain. Messi knew that his time on the pitch was over.

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Lionel Messi received a standing ovation

Messi crying at the bench was captured on camera by the broadcast of the Copa America final, which was shown on the big screens at the Hard Rock Stadium. The Argentina fans gave Messi a standing ovation and chanted his name when he appeared crying on the big screen.