VIDEO: Lionel Messi's ankle swells to the size of a golf ball as Argentina & Inter Miami superstar is brought to tears by injury in Copa America final against Colombia

The Argentine superstar was able to get his hands on more major silverware at the end of that contest, with Lautaro Martinez netting an extra-time goal in a 1-0 win over Colombia. Messi has taken his record-breaking haul of trophies to 45 and counting.

He did, however, end the game on the bench after having to be replaced. Messi rolled his ankle on the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami during the second half, leaving him struggling to walk and unable to continue. Despite being strapped up with an ice pack on the sidelines, the 37-year-old was left with a badly swollen right ankle.

The evening finished with smiles and celebrations for Messi, as Argentina successfully defended the continental crown that they recaptured back in 2021, but tears flowed when leaving the field as he was forced to bow out of a showpiece event in the United States.

It remains to be seen how severe the injury to Messi is and how long it could keep him out of action for. He has already missed five games for MLS employers Inter Miami and may have to delay his return to competitive action at club level.