Lionel Messi interrupts post-match interview to console former Barcelona teammate after Copa America clash
Argentina star Lionel Messi was seen consoling his former Barcelona teammate Claudio Bravo after La Albiceleste side beat Chile 1-0 in the 2024 Copa America. The forward showed excellent sportsmanship, walking over to Bravo and consoling him as the goalkeeper spoke to a reporter (via SportBible).
On matchday two of the group stages, Argentina clashed with Chile at the MetLife Stadium, the venue of La Roja's 2016 Copa America triumph over the Albiceleste. However, the result was slightly different this time around.
The game was heading to another 0-0 draw, as it did eight years ago, but Lautaro Martinez popped up with a winner for the world champions in the 88th minute to seal all three points.
With two wins from two Argentina, booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition, whereas Chile were left in third with their progression hopes plunged in uncertainty.
After the game, however, Messi was seen pulling off a heartwarming gesture as he walked over to Bravo, who was engaged in a discussion with a reporter, and consoled him.
It's worth noting that Messi and Bravo shared the dressing room at Barcelona for two years from 2014 to 2016, until the Chilean custodian moved to Manchester City. The pair lifted the European treble in the goalkeeper's first season before a domestic double in his second.
Messi to miss Argentina's clash with Peru
It looks like Lionel Messi is going to finish the group stages of the 2024 Copa America goalless as he's been ruled out of their final group fixture against Peru on Saturday, June 29.
The Argentina skipper was experiencing discomfort in his thigh and had even missed their training on Friday. He was also seen receiving treatment during their Chile clash.
Reports claimed that Messi could be in line to feature against Los Incas, but head coach Lionel Scaloni has seemingly opted against taking any risk. However, the player's entourage believes he should be available for their quarter-final clash next week.
His absence will be a big loss for the holders, as Messi has been their creative inspiration, conjuring twice (six) as many big chances as anyone else at the tournament currently. But their progression to the last eight is already confirmed, and Scaloni has a few good attacking options to replace him.