Football

Argentina's hopes of Copa America glory were shattered when talisman Lionel Messi was forced off injured in the second half of the final against Colombia. The incident occurred in the 64th minute at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, leaving Messi visibly distraught and in tears.Messi had been struggling with a leg injury throughout the tournament and missed Argentina's final group stage match. Despite the discomfort, he started the final and had a shot attempt in the first half. However, his injury flared up again when he planted his right foot awkwardly, forcing him to leave the field.As Messi limped off, he hurled his right shoe in anger and was visibly emotional on the bench. His teammates attempted to console him as the Miami crowd chanted his name. Footage showed ice being applied to his right ankle, while Colombia fans responded with chants for their star player, James Rodriguez.Earlier in the match, Messi had gone down after landing awkwardly while chasing a ball out of bounds. He rolled over several times and grabbed at his lower right leg. Trainers attended to him for several minutes before he returned to the game.The injury to Messi was a major blow to Argentina, who were desperate to win their first Copa America title since 2015. The match was delayed earlier due to thousands of fans without tickets attempting to force their way into the stadium. Police closed the gates and initiated a lockdown, leaving many spectators stranded outside.

Copa America Final Marred by Crowd Trouble, Delaying KickoffThe highly anticipated Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami was marred by crowd trouble, leading to a significant delay in the start of the match.Videos and images circulating on social media captured the chaos outside the stadium, where a large crowd of ticketless fans attempted to force their way into the venue. Police officers were seen arresting individuals who had breached security and entered the stadium without tickets.The situation escalated into a stampede-like incident as fans surged through an open gate, overwhelming security personnel. Screams and cries could be heard amidst the pandemonium.In response to the chaos, organizers CONMEBOL announced that ticketless fans would not be allowed entry into the stadium. The match was initially delayed by 30 minutes, but the situation continued to deteriorate, forcing a further 45-minute delay.Medical personnel were seen attending to several individuals who had been injured in the crush. Police officers struggled to contain the crowd, which continued to push against security railings and attempt to breach the stadium's ventilation system.As the situation stabilized, security began allowing fans to reenter the stadium slowly, but the commotion did not subside. Fans continued to break through railings and climb over fences to gain entry.The match eventually kicked off at 9:15 PM local time, more than an hour after the scheduled start. However, the crowd trouble cast a shadow over the highly anticipated event, raising concerns about safety and security at major sporting events.

Lionel Messi's remarkable resurgence over the past three years has culminated in a potential third major international trophy as Argentina faces Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. After years of near misses and criticism, Messi has silenced his detractors with a string of exceptional performances for his country.In 2021, Messi led Argentina to their first Copa America triumph in 28 years, defeating arch-rivals Brazil in the final. The victory marked a watershed moment in his career, as it finally silenced the critics who had questioned his ability to deliver on the international stage.A year later, Messi reached the pinnacle of his career by guiding Argentina to their third World Cup title. In a thrilling final against France, Messi scored twice and converted a penalty in the shootout, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.Now, at the age of 37, Messi is on the verge of adding another major trophy to his collection. Despite a slow start to the 2024 Copa America, Messi broke his goal drought in the semifinal against Canada, reminding everyone of his enduring brilliance.While Messi's performances in this tournament have not been as spectacular as in previous years, his mere presence on the field inspires his teammates and instills fear in opponents. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to Argentina's success, and he remains the focal point of their attack.As Messi approaches the twilight of his career, this Copa America final could be his last major international appearance. While he has expressed his desire to continue playing, it is unlikely that he will be part of the Argentina squad for the 2026 World Cup.A victory on Monday would be a fitting end to Messi's illustrious international career. It would cement his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game and provide a perfect farewell for a legend who has given so much to his country and the sport of football.

Five years after the thrilling 2019 Wimbledon final and the heartbreaking ODI World Cup loss for New Zealand, July 14, 2024, promises another unforgettable day for sports enthusiasts worldwide.Copa America 2024 Final: Argentina vs. ColombiaAt 5:30 AM IST, the Copa America 2024 final will kick off in Miami, featuring Argentina and Colombia. Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, Argentina aims to secure their 16th Copa America title and surpass Uruguay as the most successful team in the competition's history. Colombia, last crowned champions in 2001, will pose a formidable challenge.Zimbabwe vs. India, 5th T20IAt 4:30 PM IST, Harare will host the fifth and final T20I match between Zimbabwe and India. The series marks a new era for India without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have retired from the format. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India has taken a 2-1 lead in the series and aims to seal the victory in the final match.Wimbledon 2024 Men's Singles Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak DjokovicAt 6:30 PM IST, the iconic Centre Court at the All England Club will witness a highly anticipated rematch between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. In 2023, Alcaraz denied Djokovic a record-breaking Wimbledon title in a thrilling five-set match. Djokovic avenged the loss twice last year, but the Wimbledon final provides the perfect stage for a grand rematch. Alcaraz seeks his fourth major title, while Djokovic aims for an eighth Wimbledon crown and a record-equaling 25th Grand Slam.Euro 2024 Final: Spain vs. EnglandAt 12:30 AM IST on Monday, the Euro 2024 final will take place in Berlin, pitting Spain against England. Spain, led by rising star Lamine Yamal, has dominated the tournament, winning all six matches. England, playing in their second consecutive final, hopes to end their major title drought since the 1966 World Cup.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has declared that he is savoring his "last battles" with the national team after scoring in a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semifinals. The win secured Argentina's place in the final, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.Messi, now 37 years old, has been a pivotal figure in Argentina's recent success, leading them to the 2022 World Cup triumph and the 2021 Copa America title. He has yet to indicate whether he will continue playing for Argentina beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will feature a final at the New Jersey venue.After a lackluster performance against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Messi showcased his brilliance against Canada, connecting seamlessly with Angel Di Maria and strike partner Julian Alvarez, who also scored."I'm living it like I lived it in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup....these are the last battles and I'm enjoying them to the maximum," Messi said after the win.Messi's comments have sparked speculation about his future with Argentina, but coach Lionel Scaloni has urged for calm. "We have to leave him alone, he knows that we will not be the ones to close the door on him. He can stay with us as long as he wants, even when he retires...Let him decide what he wants," Scaloni said.Messi has the opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina, following their World Cup and Copa America triumphs. He acknowledged the significance of the team's success, particularly for veteran players like Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi."The truth is that it's crazy what this group has done, what the Argentina national team has been doing, because after all this it gives value to all (the tournaments) I and the old generation have played in," Messi said.Despite Argentina's comfortable victory over Canada, Messi emphasized the challenges they have faced in the tournament. "It's a difficult Copa, evenly matched, with very bad pitches, with high temperatures, very tough teams, and for us to be in a final again is something to enjoy," he said.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed Messi's sentiments, expressing the immense pride and joy of reaching another final. "It's a source of pride as an Argentine, as a representative of this national team, to be able to play in another final. It feels as if it was the first time," Martinez said.

Defending champions Argentina have secured their place in the Copa America final after a convincing 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-final on July 9th. The match, held in New Jersey, saw Argentina dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.In the opening minutes, Canada put up a spirited fight, with Jacob Shaffelburg twice coming close to scoring. However, Argentina gradually took control of the game and broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Rodrigo De Paul played a through ball to Julian Alvarez, who ghosted between two defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.Argentina continued to press forward, and Lionel Messi had a chance to double their lead in the 44th minute. The Argentine maestro created space in the box with his trademark footwork but fired his shot wide.Canada nearly equalized against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. Jonathan David snuck in ahead of his marker to get on the end of a long throw, but his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.Messi sealed Argentina's victory in the 51st minute. Enzo Fernandez's shot from the edge of the area was deflected by a Canadian defender, and Messi was on hand to poke the ball past Crepeau. The goal moved Messi to joint fifth in the all-time Copa America scoring charts, level with Peru's Paolo Guerrero and Chile's Eduardo Vargas on 14.Despite their two-goal cushion, Argentina had a nervy finish to the match. Canada substitute Tani Oluwaseyi tested Martinez with a crisp shot in the 89th minute before directing a glancing header wide a minute later.Argentina will now face either Uruguay or Colombia, who meet on July 10, in the final in Florida on July 14.

Argentina's hopes of retaining the Copa America title received a significant boost as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that talisman Lionel Messi is fit to play in the semi-final clash against Canada.Messi, who missed Argentina's final group stage match due to a thigh issue, returned to action in the quarter-final victory over Ecuador, playing the full 90 minutes. Despite missing a penalty in the shootout, Messi's presence on the field was a major factor in Argentina's triumph.Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi's fitness, stating, "99 per cent of the time, [Messi] is fit to play. It's never happened to me that he's not fit to play. Every time he's come out on the pitch, he's fit to play. For [Canada], he's fit to play, without a doubt."The coach acknowledged Messi's ability to make a difference even when not fully fit. "When he's fit, he always plays. There are no doubts. Who would have any doubts? I'm the coach, so I have no doubts. I'm the one who decides, and when I see that he's fit to play, even if he's not 100 per cent fit, he's going to play. I take responsibility for that, but I have no doubts," Scaloni said.Argentina, who are unbeaten in the tournament, are just two games away from defending their crown. They will face Canada on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium. A victory over Canada would mark Argentina's fourth final appearance in five tournaments.

The Copa America semi-finals are set to ignite with Argentina, the reigning champions, facing off against Canada, the tournament's surprise package. Uruguay, who stunned Brazil in a penalty shootout, will battle Colombia, an unbeaten force in 27 games.Argentina, led by the enigmatic Lionel Messi, will be the heavy favorites against Canada. However, the North Americans have impressed under coach Jesse Marsch, implementing a high-energy, pressing style that has propelled them to the last four.Canada's confidence is soaring after their penalty shootout victory over Venezuela. However, they acknowledge the daunting task ahead against Argentina, who defeated them 2-0 in the group stage."It's going to take everything," said Alphonso Davies, Canada's Bayern Munich wing-back. "We're going to try to play the way we want to play and see if we can keep it up."Argentina's lineup remains largely unchanged from their World Cup triumph in 2022. Messi, despite a hamstring strain, has yet to reach his peak form, but the team boasts a wealth of quality in midfield and a solid defense.Colombia, under Nestor Lorenzo, have found a new lease of life. Playmaker James Rodriguez has rediscovered his spark, providing creativity and scoring a penalty in their 5-0 thrashing of Panama.Uruguay, buoyed by their victory over Brazil, will be without the suspended Nahitan Nandez and injured Ronaldo Araujo and Matias Vina. However, coach Marcelo Bielsa's direct, hard-running style promises a high-tempo encounter against Colombia, who possess the pace of winger Luis Diaz."The match against Colombia will be just as demanding," said Bielsa. "We are confident we can play on an equal footing with any opponent."The Copa America final will be held in Miami on July 14, with the winner etching their name in the tournament's history.

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero in a thrilling Copa America semifinal clash against Ecuador, saving two penalties and denying Lionel Messi's blushes as the defending champions secured a 4-2 shootout victory.The match had been a tense affair, with Argentina taking the lead through Lisandro Martinez's header in the first half. However, Ecuador fought back and equalized in stoppage time through Kevin Rodriguez's header.In the penalty shootout, Messi surprisingly missed the opening spot-kick, chipping the ball against the bar. But Martinez stepped up to save two penalties from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, giving Argentina the advantage. Nicolas Otamendi then slotted home the decisive fourth kick to send Argentina into the final.Martinez's heroics were reminiscent of his performance in the 2021 Copa America semifinal against Colombia, where he saved three penalties. He also played a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar, saving two penalties in the final against France.Ecuador were left heartbroken after a match in which they had created enough chances to win. Felix Sanchez's team started brightly and dominated possession, but they were unable to find a way past Martinez.Argentina will now face the winner of Friday's match between Venezuela and Canada in the Copa America final. They will be looking to defend their title and claim their 16th Copa America crown.