Those who dared to call Lionel Messi "cold-blooded" in the past will have to offer the man a sincere apology, as he led Argentina through a nerve-wracking game against Colombia to reach the Copa América final for the fourth time in his career, and he did so with his sock soaked in blood.
Messi had to endure Colombia's constant fouls during the second half, which prompted the Argentine's health to be a matter of concern for La Albiceleste's coaches. Even after that bashing, "La Pulga" was able to score a penalty in the decisive shootout.
This is the foul that caused Messi's ankle to bleed (Image might be geo-restricted).
TREMENDA imagen: la patada de Fabra y el tobillo ensangrentado de Leo. Para el árbitro, Jesús Valenzuela, no fue ni falta. pic.twitter.com/qqdIV3BGD1
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) July 7, 2021
Once the game ended, Messi told the media how his team deserved to reach the title clash, especially after such a complicated clash.
"It was very difficult but we deserved it because we went looking for it," Messi said.
Moments later, "La Pulga" praised goalie Emiliano Martínez, who stopped three penalties in the shootout to help La Albiceleste reach the final.
"At times it was difficult. But we have Emi who is a phenomenon. We are confident in him. We achieved the first goal of playing every match and now we are going for the final," Messi added,
Messi will play a fifth title clash since he joined the senior Argentine team. Will this finally be the one he wins?
