Lionel Messi Places Goal of Playing in 6th World Cup on Hold After Ankle Injury During Copa America Final

Argentina may have won the Copa America title, but superstar Lionel Messi left the game in tears due to an ankle injury and this puts his goal of playing in the World Cup and representing Argentina for the sixth time into question after he suffered an ankle injury in the final against Colombia.

This year's Copa America, hosted by the United States, was supposed to be Messi's last Copa America tournament, with him setting his sights on playing for Argentina for the final time in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the North American "Big 3" of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Messi was not even touched when he was injured, according to the Associated Press, and he has been suffering from muscle issues over the last year. These issues have placed the man that many call "soccer's GOAT" on the shelf over the last year, missing games for both Inter Miami and Argentina.

Reports have indicated that the Argentina captain had been feeling muscular pains in his right leg since the group-stage match against Chile, which also sidelined him during the next game against Peru. He returned in the quarterfinal against Ecuador but he was far from his usual self, even missing a penalty goal. He only scored one goal in the tournament, and that was in the 2-0 semifinal victory against Canada.

"One more," Messi stated on social media, likely pausing his retirement on the international stage but putting his World Cup chances into question due to the injury.

While Messi may not be hanging up his sky blue and white jersey just yet, others in Argentina's aging roster may soon be, including winger ángel Di María (36), defender Nicolás Otamendi (36), and substitute goalkeeper Franco Armani (37).

Lionel Messi Says He Is 'Fine' After Copa America Final Injury

Many hearts broke at the scene of a hobbled Lionel Messi limping his way to the Argentina bench during the Copa America final against Colombia. However, soon after the match, Messi assured fans that he is ok.

"I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings," he posted on Instagram. "I'm fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most. I am happy, very happy, especially because we achieved the goal we had wanted."

Lionel Messi Copa America Win Breaks Dani Alves Record

Despite the questions about his World Cup bid being raised, Lionel Messi winning the Copa America title has made "La Pulga" the player with the most number of trophies in football history, surpassing jailed Brazil star Dani Alves.

According to Sports Star, Messi won his 45th senior trophy, giving him the distinction as the winningest player in soccer history. His hardware includes the UEFA Champions League title with FC Barcelona, multiple La Liga and Ligue 1 titles, and of course, the World Cup itself and an Olympic Gold Medal.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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