The announcement had the effect of a bomb. Only a few hours after Argentina's defeat in the final of COPA America 2016 against Chile, (0-0 AP, 4 TAB at 2), Lionel Messi announced to put an end to his international career. The former Barcelona had just breathed his 29th candle.
“” The selection is over for me, it's the fourth final I lose, the third in a row “He had explained in front of the journalists, upset by this new disillusionment with the Albiceleste. In its declaration, the Pulga referred to the failures in the final of the 2014 World Cup and the COPAS America 2015 and therefore 2016.
“It's a hard time for me and for the whole team, it's very difficult. (…) I would have liked to bring a champion title to Argentina so much. I go without getting there “, Had regretted Messi, he who had missed his shot, and to add:” I did everything I could, but it's not for me. We have lost a final again, it hurts me very much to lose, in addition to penalties. My decision is made. »»
Messi returned to his decision six weeks later
But only a month and a half after this shock announcement, the octuple Ballon d'Or, whose return was claimed by the Argentines, decided to backtrack. “” Many things have gone through my mind on the evening of the final and I seriously planned to leave, but my love for my country and this jersey are too strong ”, said the current Inter Miami striker in a statement.
A return under the Argentina tunic he does not regret today. If he stopped in the semi-finals of Copa America in 2019, he will eventually win it in 2021 and 2024. Better still, Lionel Messi made one of his biggest dreams: winning the World Cup. The French still remember it … It was in December 2022 in Qatar, after having imposed themselves in the final against the Blues of Didier Deschamps at the end of a penalty shootout.
