WHAT HAPPENED?
The West Ham star left the pitch with a leg injury just 30 minutes into El Tri’s Copa America 2024 opener against Jamaica at the weekend. During a counter-attack from the Reggae Boyz, the midfielder pulled up on the back of his leg and fell to the turf. Medical aid was immediately called on before he left the pitch in anguish.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The West Ham star underwent tests in Los Angeles and learned the full extent of the injury on Tuesday. There was no clear estimate on his return date, which effectively ruled him out of the competition. Alvarez later released an emotional video on social media where he confirmed that his journey had come to an end.
WHAT EDSON ALVAREZ SAID
In the online video, the 26-year-old said: “Unfortunately, my participation in Copa America has come to an end. I have no words — the truth is that it is a hard blow for me because I had that dream as much as my team-mates have it but sometimes these things happen in football and I will have to learn and grow from all this.
“But I wanted to let you know that I have made the decision to stay with the team until the end, to support and encourage them, as I always have done. Now it will be my turn off the field. It will also help my rehabilitation and return as soon as possible.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO?
Despite being dealt with the massive blow of their captain’s departure from the squad, the Mexicans will hope to make it two wins in a row and qualify for the quarter-finals as they take on Venezuela in their second group game on Wednesday night.
