Argentina’s Lavezzi breaks elbow in Copa semifinal

Argentina will be without Ezequiel Lavezzi in the Copa America final after he broke his left elbow in the second half of his team’s 4-0 semifinal win against the United States on Tuesday when he tumbled backward over a barrier chasing a ball.

The ball bounced off Lavezzi before he fell over the advertising sign board and broke his fall with his left arm. He immediately grabbed it with the other hand as he writhed in pain, and photos showed the forearm was grotesquely out of place.

Trainers ran to him quickly and he was soon taken away by medical personnel.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said he will undergo more tests, and the injury will require surgery.

Lavezzi scored Argentina’s first goal in the third minute and left with his team up 3-0.