Lionel Messi says he is quitting Argentina’s national team.
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Without mentioning Messi’s decision, Argentina President Mauricio Macri said on Twitter “that despite the sadness, we are very proud of the national team”. “For me the national team is over”.
“I tried my hardest, it’s been four finals but I was not able to win”. “It’s the worst I’ve seen him in the dressing room”.
“I think this is best for everyone”. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me.
Mascherano, who has been the backbone of the Argentine defence, was part of the national team which made it to three major finals. I don’t know, it is how I feel and think right now. “This is a huge sadness and I missed the penalty”.
Within this quote and on numerous occasions after the match, Lionel Messi reiterated he’s “done” with worldwide football, essentially announcing his retirement from the Argentinian national team at age 29.
Tearful images of the 29-year-old forward, Argentina’s record scorer with 55 goals, were quickly circulated on social media.
“He’s like a PlayStation”, Arsene Wenger once said of Messi after the Barcelona superstar scored four goals against Arsenal in a 2010 Champions League tie.
Chileans meanwhile celebrated their second Copa America triumph in a row after last year’s win on home soil – also by penalties over Argentina.
Regardless, Messi undoubtedly remains one of the most talented players of the game, although his worldwide performance has always been overshadowed by his club play.
Lionel Messi has already announced his intention to retire from worldwide football following the defeat saying: “I feel a great sadness right now that this is happening again”.
However, Messi’s retirement could also signal similar movements from his teammates.
Lionel Messi reacts after missing a shot during the shoot out round against Chile in the championship match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario tournament at MetLife Stadium.
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Sergio Romero, Argentina’s goalkeeper, said Messi spoke in the heat of the moment and he wants him to reconsider. “I’ve thought about it”.
