[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter a near decade of comparisons with legend Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi’s Argentina adventure is seemingly at an end after the greatest player on the planet announced he’s to quit La Albiceleste. The Barcelona superstar made his announcement just after Argentina painfully lost to rivals Chile for the second Copa America final in a row, to top it off it was Messi that ballooned over the vital spotkick as the match resulted in a nerve racking shootout.
Speaking to TYC Sports post game, the 29-year-old commented;:
The national team is over for me. It’s not for me after four finals. The decision is made, I believe. 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.
AHORA: Messi: "Se terminó para mí la Selección" https://t.co/Nws9kiScoV
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 27, 2016
#Messi: "Es difícil, el momento es duro para cualquier análisis. En el vestuario pensé que se terminó para mí la Selección, no es para mí".
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) June 27, 2016
The match was geared up to be the one that sealed the great Messi’s legacy. After an absurd 23 year trophyless streak (that’s four lost finals for the man himself), Argentina’s talent filled team became undone for the second year in succession by a dogged and determined Chile side.
After a goalless but heated 120 minutes, in which both went down to 10 men after two rather harsh red cards, Messi stepped up fourth in the penalties pecking order. After a game in which he’d been performed exellently, destiny surely would be on the multo Ballon D’or winner this time. Despite his calm exterior, Messi proceeded to blast high over the bar.
The agony was very much written all over his face.
The two sides continued to trade successful spot kicks, then Bravo – the very same man that denied them last year – saved Lucas Biglia’s effort to bring the famous trophy back to Chile.
