"We didn't cry at 37" "Karma hits back" - Cristiano Ronaldo fans troll Lionel Messi as Argentina captain is subbed off due to injury
Cristiano Ronaldo fans have slammed Lionel Messi as the Argentina captain was subbed off due to injury in the second half of their Copa America 2024 final against Colombia. La Albiceleste won the game 1-0 in extra time at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, July 14.
The 37-year-old suffered an ankle injury in the 64th minute as he tripped over himself while chasing the ball. He immediately sought assistance by signaling towards the Argentina dugout. Being unable to continue, Messi left the pitch, with Nicolas Gonzalez replacing him in the 66th minute.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner covered his face while crying on the sidelines, with his right ankle strapped to an ice pack.
Fans took to social media and flooded with posts trolling Lionel Messi's situation at the Copa America 2024 final, drawing comparisons with his Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
While some fans claimed it was 'karma' for making fun of Ronaldo, 39, during Euro 2024, some spoke about the difference in performance between the two greats concerning their age.
Here are some of the reactions on X:
One fan wrote:
"We didn’t cry at 37."
Another added:
"Karma hits back 😮💨"
"Lmao karma. Never make fun of the GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo!" chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"What a baby."
Another tweeted:
"Meme material 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣."
One user wrote:
"No need to do what his fans do.... Atleast I can't.... Sad to see his final copa game maybe ever end like this.... Wish him well and recovery."
While another wrote:
"So when Ronaldo cry's his a big baby but when the other goat cry's his passionate, we should respect Messi regardless unlike his immature fans."
Lautaro Martínez netted the winning goal for Argentina in the 112th minute, making Argentina the Copa America 2024 champions.
Pedro Mendes speaks about 'dream' ending to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's careers
Former Portugal midfielder Pedro Mendes spoke about an ideal future where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo end their careers together at the same club. However, the former Porto star also mentioned that it would probably never happen.
While Messi currently plays for MLS outfit Inter Miami, Ronaldo represents Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
In an interview with BoyleSports, Mendes said (via Goal):
"If Cristiano Ronaldo joined Inter Miami it would be amazing for the fans and incredible for football in America. It would mean that the two best players in the history and future of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would finish their careers together which would be a dream come true. However, I can't see it happening. It would be very difficult."
With the Copa America 2024 win, Lionel Messi has now claimed the title twice, with the first coming in 2021. He also helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.