Lionel Messi has said his
international career is over at the age of 29 after he blazed a penalty over
the bar in Argentina’s defeat in the Copa América final to Chile.
The Argentina captain missed his
spot-kick in the decisive shootout at Met Life Stadium, which Chile went on to
win 4-2 and secure a second Copa crown in two years, and was disconsolate on
the pitch after the game.
Lionel Messi and Argentina: will his latest
international low really be the end?
“It’s tough, it’s not the time for analysis,”
he said. “In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the
national team, it’s not for me. That’s the way I feel right now, it’s a huge
sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important.
“I tried so hard to be [a] champion
with Argentina. But it didn’t happen. I couldn’t do it. I think it’s best for
everyone, for me and for many people who want it. The choice for me is over, it
is a decision. I tried many times [to be a champion] but did not.”
Sergio Agüero and other Argentina
players could now follow Messi’s lead, with the Manchester City forward telling
Olé: “The likelihood is that Messi is not the only one that will leave the
national team. There are several players like me that are evaluating whether or
not to continue.
“One doesn’t want to think about it
but at times, there are things that happen and the thought [of retiring] comes
into your mind. Afterwards, it’s difficult to get it out. Unfortunately, the
one that leaves most affected is Leo Messi after his penalty miss. This is the
worst that I’ve seen him in the changing room. We are all affected and we will
try to think about something else and move forward. Again, luck was not on our
side.”
The defeat continued Argentina’s
23-year trophyless run and Messi’s own personal misery now extends to four lost
finals with the national side – at the 2014 World Cup against Germany and at
three Copa Américas, in 2007, 2015 and now 2016.
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