WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT Real Madrid legend Marcelo left the field in tears on Tuesday evening – when he accidentally broke the leg of an opponent in the Copa Libertadores

Marcelo left the field in tears after the leg break (Image: Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Real Madrid icon Marcelo left the pitch in tears on Tuesday evening – after accidentally breaking an opponent’s leg in the Copa Libertadores.

Marcelo, who now plays in his native Brazil for Fluminense, inadvertently stamped down on Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez when jostling for the ball. Sanchez’s leg was visibly broken instantly, and a distressed Marcelo left the game in tears.

After the game, the Brazilian said on social media: “Today, I had to experience a very difficult moment on the pitch. I have inadvertently injured a colleague. I want to wish you the best possible recovery Luciano Sanchez. I send you all the strength in the world!”

Football fans were also quick to react to the incident, with one fan even tweeting: “That’s the worst injury I’ve ever seen! OMG!”

“Marcelo isn’t even trying to step on him either bro, this s*** is just so unfortunate,” a second added. While a third tweeted: “This is the worst injury I’ve ever seen in my life!”

“Not sure why he’s got a red for that, not sure how much he can change. Seems like a horrible accident,” a fourth questioned. And another added: “That sucks for both of them man, so much trauma in this clip!”

(Image: Twitter)

Marcelo started his career at Fluminense, rising through the ranks of their academy, before he made the switch to Europe in 2007 with Real. The Brazilian was an instant hit as Los Blancos, and he only left in 2022.

The Brazilian returned to his boyhood side in February – after an ill-fated spell in Greece – making his debut in the Copa Libertadores, which is South America’s answer to the Champions League.