Marta, the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, sobbed as she left the pitch following her team's 2-0 loss to Spain in the Olympic women's football competition after earning a straight red card.
Marta, who will be retiring from the game this year, was sent off for a reckless high-footed tackle that almost missed Olga Carmona's head during the Group C encounter in Bordeaux.
Her chance to play in the competition once more depends on Brazil making it past their quarterfinal match against the host country, France, having advanced as one of the top three teams.
Just before halftime, Marta received a red card, bringing Brazil level. But despite several injury stoppages, Spain managed to extend the second half and score again in the 68th and 17th minutes of added time, maintaining their perfect winning record.
At the age of 38, Marta placed second behind the United States in both the Beijing 2008 Games and the Athens 2004 Olympics, where she took home silver medals.
Her 17 goals in 23 games over six tournaments is the record for most goals scored in World Cup history, including men's and women's.
After defeating Australia 2-1, the United States continued their impressive play and won Group B. With this win, a quarterfinal meeting versus Japan is now possible.
Canada has advanced out of their group and is now guaranteed a position in the quarterfinals. In the following round, they will take on an opponent who has not yet been named.
Trinity Rodman's and Korbin Albert's goals, which came either side of halftime, gave Emma Hayes' squad a commanding advantage. Alanna Kennedy's late strike nevertheless made for a suspenseful conclusion. At 14:00 BST on Saturday, the United States, the tournament's record four-time gold medalists, and Japan will reprise the London final from 2012 at Parc des Princes in Paris.
Japan, who finished slightly behind Spain in Group C, defeated Nigeria 3-1 in Nantes to secure second place.
The reigning Olympic champions Canada have advanced to the knockout stage with a 1-0 victory over Colombia, even though their request for a six-point deduction was denied.
France finished first in Group A after defeating New Zealand 2-1.