ARGENTINA’S Lionel Messi has left the Copa America final with an injury after falling to the ground chasing the ball.
Messi was shown on the sidelines in tears after he shortly walked off the field.
This comes after Messi suffered an injury scare late in the first half after falling to the pitch and grabbing his ankle after diving for the ball.
Argentina has taken a 1-0 lead late in extra time after a Lautaro Martinez off a turnover.
Follow along with our live blog as The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner and Bob Williams will be on the ground from Miami to provide all the latest updates.
GOALLLLLL
Lautaro Martinez nails a right-footed shot into the center of the goal!
The goal comes off a turnover forced by Argentina.
Giovani Lo Celso assists on the goal.
Score: Argentina 1-0 Colombia
15 more minutes
ET. The Copa America continues to stay gridlocked at 0-0 as Argentina attempts to secure the title without star Lionel Messi.
If neither team can score in the final 15 minutes of extra time then the game will be decided by penalty kicks.
Analysis during extra time from the stands
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner shares his thoughts as the Copa America final remains tied 0-0 in extra time.
“This game has been brutal to watch – and to play in. Reckless tackles have been flying in from all over the place.
“The quality on show, however, has been severely lacking.
“This game has been brutal to watch – and to play in.”
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
ET. Colombia’s Camilo Vargas makes a diving save to keep the game tied at 0!
Argentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez came so close to a game-changing goal.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
ET. 30 minutes of extra time will be played instead of going to penalty kicks immediately.
If neither team scores in extra time the Copa America final will be decided on penalty kicks.
Extra time in the Copa!
We are headed to extra time in the Copa America final after Colombia and Argentina fail to score in regulation.
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner believes Argentina will have to play better to secure the victory.
“Argentina is attempting to be the first South American team to win three consecutive trophies.
“They will need to play a hell of a lot better in extra time to create their own piece of history.
“And, of course, they will have to do it without Messi.”
Lionel Messi watches on
Lionel Messi watches the Copa America final from the sidelines after leaving the game with a non-contact injury.
Lionel Messi watches the Copa America final from the sideline after leaving with injuryCredit: Getty Argentinaâs Lionel Messi grimaces in pain during the Copa America final soccer match against ColombiaCredit: AP Playing it safe
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner believes both teams will play cautiously in extra time.
“Extra-time wasn’t used in the knock-out rounds in the lead-up to the final.
“Shame really, this should go straight to penalties because extra time, with heavy legs on both sides, will surely be cautious from both teams.”
More analysis from Miami
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner gives his take on the Copa America final as it seems surely headed to extra time.
“This has been really poor.
“Both teams seem to be happy just arguing with the officials rather than trying to get the round thing into the net.
“Argentina have been a shadow of the team which some were trumpeting as the world’s new favorite side.
“They have never got going.”
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
85. The game is still nodded at 0 as extra time may be upon us.
Argentina is trying to find a way to win without their superstar Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, Colombia is attempting to extend their 28-match unbeaten streak and secure a Copa America final title.
Analysis more than halfway through the second half
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner shares his thoughts late in the second half of the Copa America final.
“Just over 20 minutes left of what has been a very disappointing final so far.
“All the madness beforehand soured the evening before a ball was kicked.
“The game has been dire and now Messi has exited stage left. Right now, this has penalties written all over it.”
Offside!
75. Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico is called for offsides after nailing in what could’ve been the winning Copa America final goal.
Lionel Messi is injured on the floor AGAIN
Lionel Messi is down on the pitch again and has signaled for a substitute.
Messi fell to the floor with a non-contact injury after running after the ball.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
60. Argentina is putting relentless pressure on Colombia and continues to nearly miss taking a lead.
Angel Di Maria and Alexis Mac Allister each have their shots blocked in the 57th and 58th minute.
Analysis from Hard Rock Stadium
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner shares his latest thoughts on the Copa America final.
“Davidson Sanchez, the Colombian defensive rock, just headed over.
“The boys in yellow carry on creating the best chances. They just need to take one.
“If they don’t Argentina have the quality to make them seriously pay.
“Tempers beginning to boil over here on a typically sultry Floridian night.
“Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had to be held back after Angel Di Maria was fouled. It’s the liveliest Argentina have looked all night.”
Score: Argentina 0-0 Colombia
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
51. Colombia’s Luis Diaz goes down for a short moment with an injury scare but play continues shortly later.
We are eight minutes into the second half and still locked in a 0-0 tie.
If the game ends in a tie, extra time will be played.
We are back!
The second half has begun with a bang.
Colombia’s Santiago Arias nearly nails a right-footed shot from the right side of the box.
Argentina misses an opportunity of their own as Angel Di Maria’s left-footed shot is saved.
Score: Argentina 0 Colombia 0
Lionel Messi given extra time to recover
The U.S. Sun’s Bob Williams shares some insight on Messi’s injury heading into the second half.
“Lionel Messi has been given an extra 10 minutes to work on his injured ankle thanks to the extended 25-minute halftime break.
“Could prove crucial for Argentina in the second half.”
Opinions of the halftime show from inside the stadium
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner shares some insight on what Shakira’s halftime show meant to Colombia.
“Penny for the players’ thoughts as they wait in the locker rooms for this to finish.
“The Colombia coach argued beforehand that the extra time taken to stage this “show” could affect his side’s performance.
“The regulation break is normally 15 minutes. This will take it to 25 minutes.
“Unacceptable really. Let’s see how the second half starts, if it ever starts..
“And there she goes. Now, hopefully, a soccer match will break out.”
Fans praise the halftime show
Soccer fans are raving about Shakira’s halftime performance.
Shakira graces the stage!
Shakira has opened her Copa America final performance with her hit song Hips Don’t Lie.
The minute the music played the crowd erupted.
Iconic announcer introduces Shakira
Boxing announcer Michael Buffer, who is known for his phrase ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rumble’ announces Shakira.
Let’s see if she packs a punch with her halftime show – a first for a Copa America Final.
Miami-Dade Sheriff candidate Joe Sanchez makes a statement
First-half analysis from inside the stadium
The U.S. Sun’s Steve Brenner shares his thoughts on the Copa America final first half.
“Pretty forgettable first half there.
“Colombia looked the more lively, but Martinez only really made one save of note.
“Anyway, enough of this soccer nonsense. Here’s the reason everyone is here – it’s Shakira.
Score: Argentina 0 Colombia 0
Messi is back on the field
Lionel Messi is back on the field and in the game after suffering an injury scare just moments ago.
Messi is walking with a clear limp.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
