Lionel Messi left the pitch in the Copa América final with a foot injury.
We managed to win for him, says Argentine teammate Ángel Di Maria.
Messi got hurt in the 64th minute when he ran after the ball and then fell over, without contact with other players.
The 37-year-old lay on the ground for several minutes with obvious pain. After he was helped to his feet, he immediately took off his right shoe.
TV images later showed a crying Messi on the bench and a swollen ankle.
The 37-year-old was later in better spirits, clapped his hands, laughed, and eventually even got to lift the trophy after the 1–0 win over Colombia.
We managed to win for him and give him joy, says Di Maria, according to AP, after Messi's 39th and likely last match in the South American championship.
Messi has had problems with a leg injury throughout the championship and missed a match in the group stage.
The final win gave Argentina its 16th title in Copa América.
