Despite Lionel Messi’s undeniable greatness and being valued at around $300 million, many refuse to recognize him as the best player in Argentinean history until he brings a major championship back to his homeland. That’s a title he will apparently never get, as he announced he was retiring from international competition after Argentina’s loss to Chile in penalty kicks in the Copa América final for the second-straight year.
It’s not as if Messi hasn’t won titles. In fact, he’s won eight La Liga championships with Barcelona and four UEFA Champions League titles. However, when it comes to his international play with Argentina, he just hasn’t been able to get them over the hump. Messi, of course, lost in penalties to Chile both this year and last in the Copa América, and he was also on the team that finished runners-up in 2007. He also famously got his team to the 2014 World Cup final, but Germany won 1-0 and left Messi on the short end once again.
At only 29 years old, Messi’s retirement sounded very much like a decision made out of frustration after the latest defeat.
Messi: 'I'm taking this decision for me and for the many people who want this. I've tried so hard, but I'm leaving without managing it.'
— Sam Kelly (@HEGS_com) June 27, 2016
In addition to his disappointment over losing another final, Messi also has publicly complained about the Argentine FA, recently calling them a “disaster” on his Instagram.
Perhaps Messi will reconsider before the 2018 World Cup and choose to give it one last shot. However, if this really is it for Messi in international play, it’s a bummer to see a guy who can do things like this leave without the glory of a championship.
