According to reports, Lionel Messi arrived at the Copa America two years after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to claim another major trophy: the South American championship.

Argentina reached the final with Messi, but his injury prevented him from staying on the pitch. When Messi sat on the bench, his bitter tears were captured by cameras. The Argentina captain eventually lifted the trophy, but this edition of the Copa America is remembered by many for Messi’s tears on the bench.

Messi spoke for the first time today about his memories of that final and the match against Colombia. Messi began by saying: “I had physical issues from the start of the Copa America. I felt the pain intensely during the match against Chile. I mean, I was uncomfortable from the second game. Then, as you remember, I didn’t play against Peru in Miami and returned for the match against Ecuador, even though I wasn’t 100% fit.”

Leo spoke about his injury in the final and his tears on the bench: “Against Colombia, I felt good at first and didn’t feel any pain. I mean early in the match. I thought my injury was healed and I would stay until the end. That’s why I was so upset when the injury happened. It was very hard. It was very painful for me that the Copa ended that way for me. Thank God, we eventually became champions and won another trophy. This was very important for me and for the Argentina National Team. This group of players has done great things and will continue to do so. Being part of it is insanely beautiful. I really enjoy playing with this team.”