Heading into last night Copa America finale against Chile, Argentina's Lionel Messi had never missed a penalty kick in his career. And then last night happened.
After the two squads played to a 0-0 draw, including both 15-minute overtime periods, the game headed to a shootout and the world's greatest footballer was up first for Argentina.
His shot sailed over the goal posts and Chile ultimately went on to win 4-2 in penalties. Messi was so crushed after the championship match that he said he'd never play for the international club again.
“My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I’m done playing with the national team,” he said, before explaining his frustrations. “I tried my hardest. It’s been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen.”
“I don’t think so,” Messi said when asked if he would ever suit up for Argentina again. “I’ve thought about it. Like I said earlier, I tried everything possible to win. And that’s it. It’s four finals lost.”
Of course, Messi was speaking in the heat of the moment but it certainly sounds like he has made up his mind for good. He is the all-time leading goal-scorer for Argentina with 55 goals and has planned in 113 matches for Argentina since 2005.
[Via]