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Lionel Messi breaks his silence on grim ankle injury as Argentina teammates are greeted by wild scenes in Buenos Aires following Copa America victory

Published: 09:54 EDT, 16 July 2024 | Updated: 10:00 EDT, 16 July 2024

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Lionel Messi has reassured supporters that he is 'fine' after a gruesome ankle injury reduced the Argentina legend to tears during the country's Copa America victory.

Messi did not join his teammates as they returned home to Buenos Aires on Monday night, where fans flooded the streets in wild celebrations.

The 37-year-old was forced off the field midway through the second half of Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia, when Lionel Scaloni's side secured a record 16th Copa America title.

Messi could be seen sobbing on the bench as he nursed a horribly swollen right ankle. But on Monday evening, the Inter Miami star said he hopes to be back on the field before too long.

'The Copa America is over and the first thing I want is to thank everyone for the messages and greetings,' he said in a statement on Instagram.

Lionel Messi sobbed on the bench after suffering a gruesome injury in the Copa America final

His Argentina teammates were greeted by thousands of supporters on their return home

Wife of USA soccer star reveals her traumatic ordeal as she tried to get into the Copa America final with their eight-year-old daughter

'I'm fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most. I am happy, very happy, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide (Angel Di Maria) leaves us but with another Cup.'

Di Maria, 36, lifted the trophy on his final appearance for the national team and Messi added: 'The older ones, like him, Ota (Nicolas Otamendi) or me, experienced it with special emotion.

'With other teammates who have already played several tournaments and added their experience as well, and with a group of young people who give their all with every ball. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group.

'Thanks to everyone who supported us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future too. Let's f***ing go Argentina!'

Messi's teammates were greeted by thousands of supporters as they rolled back into Buenos Aires. Scaloni's players arrived to a firework display, while Messi remained in Miami - the scene of Sunday's chaotic final - to have treatment.

Fans let off flares and held up tributes to Messi as the team bus made its way through the capital.