Another final failure persuades little magician time right to step out of international spotlight
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA—Some fans and players want him to reconsider. Other supporters on Monday were simply sad that Lionel Messi says he’s quitting the Argentine national team.
Messi shocked his native country with his abrupt resignation from international soccer after Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Copa America final on Sunday.
“The national team is over for me,” Messi told the Argentine network TyC Sports. “It’s been four finals, it’s not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.”
Messi lifted Argentina’s first penalty kick over the crossbar, setting the stage for another loss in a final. Messi and Argentina lost to Brazil in the 2007 Copa final and to Germany in extra time in the 2014 World Cup final. They also lost last year’s Copa final to host Chile on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw.
Messi moved to Barcelona in 2001 when he was 13, producing lots of hardware for the Catalan club. But many fans at home have criticized him for not leading the nation to a World Cup title, as Diego Maradona did in 1986.
“On top of everything, I missed the penalty kick,” Messi told TyC. “I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, and then for everyone. I think there are a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.”
Fans gathered outside the downtown office of the Argentine Football Association, many torn by Messi’s promised departure.
“I feel an enormous sadness, it tears my heart in two,” said 29-year-old Juan Pablo Pinasco. “It was the cup that he (Messi) had to win, more than anything it is something that he deserves and I just don’t want him to leave the national team.
