Lionel Messi was so dejected after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final on Sunday that he said after the match that he was retiring from the country’s national team.
“My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I’m done playing with the national team,” said Messi.
Messi, widely regarded as the best player in the world, may have felt especially down after missing a penalty kick in the defeat. Argentina and Chile played to a 0-0 draw but Chile won 4-2 on PK.
Though the 29-year-old has 55 goals playing for Argentina over the past 11 years, he has failed to lead them to the ultimate goal as they have lost in the Copa America finals three times and the World Cup final once. Is the pressure just too much?
“I tried my hardest. It’s been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen.”
Messi’s mind sounds somewhat made up with him talking in the past tense.
Not only could his decision be partly related to the disappointment of not winning, but also due to a rash of complaints Messi has filed with his country’s soccer association. He might not be the only player from Argentina to call it quits; several others may leave the national team.
