"It's very difficult for Hernan to play again in this tournament," Homero de Agostino, Argentina's team doctor, said Tuesday.

Crespo left Monday's match limping on his right leg, immediately after converting Argentina's first goal, a penalty kick in the 20th minute.

"I felt the sharp pain as soon as I jumped to celebrate the goal," Crespo said. "I'm angry, of course, but I know the rest of the guys can achieve our goal of winning the tournament."

Crespo's three goals put him in a four-way tie for the tournament scoring lead with Brazil's Robinho and Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz and Salvador Cabanas.

Carlos Tevez, who scored as a second-half sub in Argentina's opening 4-1 rout of the United States, could take Crespo's spot in the line-up.