Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has decided to retire from international duty after missing his shot in the Copa America final penalty shootout. Argentina lost their fourth major final in nine years. "For me, the national team is over." Messi said after Argentina lost to Chile in final on Sunday. "I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion."
Messi is just 29 years old and he has won no less than eight Primera Liga titles and four Champions League crowns with Barcelona. He has not enjoyed the same success with Argentina though, the only trophy was the Olympic gold medal in 2008. He lost two Copa America finals, both against Chile and both on penalties, and also the World Cup final in 2014 against Germany.
"It's been four finals, I tried," Messi added. "It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over. I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone. I think there's a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it. It's very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back."
Argentina are 9/1 at Bet365 to win the 2018 World Cup.
nik92 7 years ago
I don't think this is a final decision, It was said in the heat of the moment. He is currently in the best years. I have read the statement of Maradona, and he believes in Leo, and in the forthcoming World Cup in Russia. Argenitna team is a collection of incredible players and individuals, but it is obvious that something...
I don't think this is a final decision, It was said in the heat of the moment. He is currently in the best years. I have read the statement of Maradona, and he believes in Leo, and in the forthcoming World Cup in Russia. Argenitna team is a collection of incredible players and individuals, but it is obvious that something is wrong. For me, I think it's a coach.
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Milaneli 7 years ago
Wow this was a huge shock for me when I read it yesterday. I understand that he has been under a lot of pressure in his homeland, people expecting results and so on. But losing four finals in the row, and everyone pretty much blaming him as being best player in the world. Now, with that missed penalty, he in his mind had...
Wow this was a huge shock for me when I read it yesterday. I understand that he has been under a lot of pressure in his homeland, people expecting results and so on. But losing four finals in the row, and everyone pretty much blaming him as being best player in the world. Now, with that missed penalty, he in his mind had no other choice. I know that it has been his dream to success with national squad, but retiring when you can play at least two more big championships was a chicken move if you ask me.
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