The announcement made by Argentine and Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi about his retirement from international football has left his country’s football in turmoil.
The 28-year old made the announcement on Sunday following a traumatic penalty shootout defeat to Chile in the Copa America final.
Messi left the field in uncontrollable tears after missing a spot-kick in the shootout which made it his fourth straight defeat in a major final with Argentina.
He told reporters, “For me the national team is over.
“I’ve done all I can, I’ve been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion.
Also Manchester city forward, Sergio Aguero said, “We were all devastated in the dressing room, particularly Leo, I’d never seen him in such a state.”
“It’s likely that Messi won’t be the only one to go into international retirement, several players are wondering whether to continue. It’s our toughest defeat to take.”
In a bid to get Messi change his mind, social media campaigns were immediately launched in Argentina.
Hashtags such as “NotevayasLeo,” Don’t go Leo,” “Messiquedate,” and “Messi stay,” went viral quickly.
Messi’s dramatic announcement followed Argentina’s third loss in a major final in three years
