If Brazil had hopes of winning the women's Olympic soccer gold medal for the first time at the 2024 Games, their route to glory has become a lot more difficult to navigate.
On Wednesday, during the last match of the group stage against Spain — in which qualification for the quarterfinals was at stake — Marta was sent off towards the end pf the first half.
The red card may be the final action of Brazil's famous No. 10 at the Olympic Games.
MORE: Updated scores and standings from the women's soccer tournament at the Olympics
Why was Marta sent off for Brazil vs. Spain?
The incident happened during stoppage time of the first half, 50 minutes into the game, when the scores were tied at 0-0.
Marta made a strong challenge on Spain defender Olga Carmona. As a loose ball bounced, the forward raised her left foot as Carmona ducked down to head the ball to a teammate. In the process, Marta's heel and leg struck Carmona on the back of the head. Both fell to the ground following the impact of the apparent "flying kick".
Due to the force and recklessness of the challenge, Norwegian referee Espen Eskas immediately showed a red card to Marta. The player burst into tears as she was left to lament what could prove to be her final action in an Olympic Games match.
Will Marta be able to play again at the 2024 Olympic Games?
If Brazil qualify for the quarterfinals, Marta would be suspended for that match. She would only be available again for a potential semifinal if her team managed to reach that stage.
If this does not happen, this will not simply be a farewell for the 38-year-old, who has already signalled she plans to retire soon. She will also be unable to achieve some records she was hoping to break.
Along with a possible first gold medal, Marta had the chance to become the first football player, either male or female, to win three Olympic medals. She was part of the Brazil side that won silver in 2004 and 2008.
Marta goals at the Olympic Games
Athens 2004: Three goals
Beijing 2008: Three goals
London 2012: Two goals
Rio 2016: Two goals
Tokyo 2020: Three goals
When will Marta retire?
In April this year, Marta told CNN that she expected 2024 to be her final year with the Brazil national team.
"If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team," she said.
It had been thought Marta could continue playing until the next Women's World Cup in 2027, but she will be 41 years old by the time of the tournament in her home country. However, at a recent press conference, Marta said: "I prefer to live one day at a time. I made my statement about the national team at the beginning of this year, but there is a World Cup coming up.
She added: "I have always dreamed of playing at a World Cup in Brazil."
What club team does Marta play for?
Marta plays for Orlando Pride in the United States. In December 2022, she renewed her contract until the end of the 2024 season of the NWSL, which ends in November.
It's a possibility that she could move to a Brazilian club in January 2025.
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