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IIE Digital Desk: Lionel Messi had cried uncontrollably after he exited from a Copa America and had final before fulltime for the first time in his career. Beyond the severe pain in his right ankle on Sunday night in Miami Gardens, the tears on face of Argentina's captain had showed a deeper pain. Despite winning the title iun one of his "last battles", as Messi had described this Copa, the 37 year old superstar did not pass the fitness test that could had opened the way for him to play his sixth World Cup in 2026. Argentina had successfully defended its South America title with a hard fought 1-0 extra time win against Colombia. Messi had left the pitch in Hard Rock Stadium in the 64th minute, breaking down without had been touched. 

The Copa was Messi's first majopr tournament had since leaving European soccer to play in the less competitive Major League Soccer in the U.S. Still, he has missed several games over the last year for his Inter Miami club and Argentina due to muscle issues. Messi had felt muscular pains in his right leg in the second group match being against Chile, while it is sidelined from him to the following game against Peru. He did not delivered the impressive performnanced in the quarter finals against Ecuador and missed the chance in penalty shootout. In the semifinal victory over Canada, he scored his only goal in the tournament in the 2-0 win. With a shuffle, Messi had celebrated his Second Copa titled in modest fashion on the field. The injury still hurt the star on Monday. Messi did not speak to the media after the injury, and Argentina did not give details about the damage. Messi's farewell to the national team is still on hold, but there's other players aged above 35 who are likely to have played their last major international tournament; winger Ángel Di María (36), defender Nicolás Otamendi (36), and substitute goalkeeper Franco Armani (37). Argentina does have up-and-coming players and a squad averaging 28 years of age when the veterans are not counted. That is partly why it held strong against Colombia despite the absence of its star for 56 minutes of play.

Young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho, Valentín Carboni, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri and Valentín Barco are not to be compared with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, but they can help Argentina remain competitive when it defends the World Cup in 2026.Argentina will be returning  to action in September in World Cup qualifying against Chile and Colombia. The Argentines lead South America. That international window will give more hints about whether Messi's legend will go on or stop at Sunday's title.