"Damn, I'm broken" "It's over" - Fans express huge concern about Lionel Messi after watching Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile in Copa America

Fans were left anxious after seeing Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in great discomfort during his side's 1-0 win over Chile at Copa America on Tuesday, June 25. Midway through the game, the 37-year-old was seen holding his right leg and receiving treatment from the Argentina physiotherapists.

Messi was seen limping and struggling to move at times during the first half but eventually ended up playing the full 90 minutes. Despite finishing the game without a goal contribution, he had a great impact on the proceedings.

The Inter Miami superstar completed 32 out of his 34 passes (94%), created five chances, delivered three crosses, made seven dribbles, and won 10 ground duels (via FotMob).

Despite Messi's solid performance, fans were left concerned by the apparent injury that he had suffered, which could keep the Argentina legend out of action for La Albiceleste's next game against Peru on Saturday, June 29.

@Ginkor4 wrote on X:

"Damn! I'm broken."

@culebalde added:

"Its over."

Here is a selection of fan reactions from X:

"Same here, I dont think he can finish the game," @Dinhofundzz agreed with @TheEuropeanLad.

Referencing Messi's birthday, which was two days ago (June 24), @_abochie said, "Birthday hangover."

"Age is catching up to him," @Manase_LFC sighed.

"Man he held his groin for the 9th time!" @The_starsglow exclaimed.

"Ngl [not gonna lie] I'm worried," @erik_pco said.

"Not looking good bro," @Visheshh8 noted.

"I knew it. He's injured. Take him out," @PeacefulNaturre claimed.

"He’s been having that same nagging injury on and off for months now it feels like," @TheCelticCuler said.

Lionel Messi's Argentina become first team to qualify for the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals

With the 1-0 win over Chile, Argentina became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2024 Copa America.

Lionel Messi's side dominated proceedings, taking 22 shots at Chile's goal. However, they were wasteful in the final third, and couldn't capitalize on some solid chances early on in the game.

Their efforts were not in vain, however, as Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez scored the all-important winning goal in the 88th minute. He could have made it 2-0 in the 95th minute but squandered a golden opportunity.

The Argentine defense held firm, not allowing the opposition an inch of room to operate in their box. Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero put in another rock-solid performance at the back.

He completed a stunning five out of eight tackles (63%), made three clearances and two interceptions, recovered the ball seven times, and won 12 of his 15 duels. On the rare occasions where Romero was beaten, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez came to the rescue, making three key saves.

With their qualification already secured, Argentina take on Peru in their final group-stage game on Saturday. It will be interesting to see if Messi will play a part in that game.