Argentina vs Chile Copa America 2016 Final Highlights
- 8 years ago
Argentina's Lionel Messi, considered by many to be the best player in the world, said he will likely retire from international soccer.
The news came shortly after his side lost the Copa America final to Chile on penalties.
"This is tough and a difficult time," Messi, the Argentina team captain, said. "The first thing that comes to my mind and that I have thought is that the end has come for me and our team [Argentina]."
He referred to the four major competition finals he has played with Argentina -- all of which he lost.
"It has been four finals -- it just wasn't for me unfortunately. I looked for it, and wanted it so bad, but it didn't happen for me," he said.
Visibly upset, he suggested that there was a movement of people who wanted to see him retire.
"I think this is best for everyone, firstly for me and for a lot of people that wish this," he said. "The team has ended for me, a decision made. I tried many times [to be champion with Argentina] and I leave without being able to obtain it."
Asked if a decision has been made to leave team Argentina, Messi responded, "I think so. I don't know, it is how I feel and think right now. This is a huge sadness and I missed the penalty."
Messi missed that penalty kick after the two sides were held to a stalemate following extra time. Although Chile missed one of their kicks, midfielder Francisco Silva converted Chile's final penalty, sealing a 4-2 score on penalty kicks and the win -- the second year in a row Chile defeated the Argentine's.
Tearful images of the 29-year-old forward, Argentina's record scorer with 55 goals, were quickly circulated on social media.
The news came shortly after his side lost the Copa America final to Chile on penalties.
"This is tough and a difficult time," Messi, the Argentina team captain, said. "The first thing that comes to my mind and that I have thought is that the end has come for me and our team [Argentina]."
He referred to the four major competition finals he has played with Argentina -- all of which he lost.
"It has been four finals -- it just wasn't for me unfortunately. I looked for it, and wanted it so bad, but it didn't happen for me," he said.
Visibly upset, he suggested that there was a movement of people who wanted to see him retire.
"I think this is best for everyone, firstly for me and for a lot of people that wish this," he said. "The team has ended for me, a decision made. I tried many times [to be champion with Argentina] and I leave without being able to obtain it."
Asked if a decision has been made to leave team Argentina, Messi responded, "I think so. I don't know, it is how I feel and think right now. This is a huge sadness and I missed the penalty."
Messi missed that penalty kick after the two sides were held to a stalemate following extra time. Although Chile missed one of their kicks, midfielder Francisco Silva converted Chile's final penalty, sealing a 4-2 score on penalty kicks and the win -- the second year in a row Chile defeated the Argentine's.
Tearful images of the 29-year-old forward, Argentina's record scorer with 55 goals, were quickly circulated on social media.