We got to see on Tuesday an example of how captain Lionel Messi is eager to win the Copa America 2021 Semi-Final title to Argentina. In the semi-final match of the tournament against Colombia (Argentina vs Colombia), not only did he play despite an ankle injury, but he also scored a goal while opening the penalty shootout. The argentine team has reached the final (Argentina beat Colombia), registering a 3-2 win in the shootout. He will face Brazil (Argentina vs Brazil Final).
goal scored from an injured ankle
Lionel Messi, one of the best strikers in the world at the historic Maracana Stadium, has once again proved why he is one of the best in the world. In the 55th minute of the match, Frank Fabra hit the Argentine captain hard and he fell. His ankle got injured. Blood could be clearly seen coming out of the ankle. However, here the referee showed Frank the yellow card. This injury also could not break Messi’s spirit and he gave the team a ticket to the title match.
Such was the thrill of the match till full time
The match between Argentina and Colombia ended in a 1-1 draw, after which the decision was made through a penalty shootout where Argentina won. The hero of the match was Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez who saved three penalties. Earlier, Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina in the seventh minute to give the team the lead. He maintained this lead till the first half and did not allow Colombia to score.
After this, in the second half, Luis Diaz scored in the 61st minute to level the score 1-1. Both the teams again tried to take the lead but the other goals could not be scored till the last minute and the match was tied 1-1. Martinez blocked shots from Sanchez, Yeri Mina and Edwin Cardona in the shootout. Rodrigo de Paul failed to score for Argentina but Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredez and Lautero Martínez ensured their team’s victory.
The title match between Argentina and Brazil will be played on July 10 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Argentina has not won a major tournament since winning the Copa America title in 1993, while Brazil has never lost a Copa America final at home.