June 27, 2016

Lionel Messi retires from Argentina after Copa America final loss to Chile: Asked if he were retiring, the 29-year old said, "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." The news comes off the back of Messi's criticising the Argentine football federation (AFA) ahead of the final and revealing in a news conference on Friday that he had a backlog of complaints with the AFA.

posted by bender to soccer at 09:17 AM - 5 comments

I, for one, will be very surprised if he is not on the field for Argentina in Russia in 2018.

posted by bender at 10:09 AM on June 27, 2016

Agree with Bender, more likely (some of) the current AFA execs will miss out.

posted by billsaysthis at 10:42 AM on June 27, 2016

I was more discouraged when Riquelme announced he was fed up with Maradona and walked off. That despite Riquelme's past history. Because he rightly called out Maradona as an illegitimate appointment. Others went along with the sham.

The Pope is unable to do anything about this sorry state of affairs at one level or another?

posted by beaverboard at 11:42 AM on June 27, 2016

I think Messi will be back for the World Cup when he calms down. His choked-back tears of anguish after the final will be long remembered. It was like watching a Muppet cry.

Considering how many players lost their composure during the match, I feel like the U.S. could win a Copa if we played well and kept our heads.

There were so many dives, fouls, altercations and arguments with the ref! It made the match entertaining but I'd be embarrassed as an advocate of South American football.

posted by rcade at 12:09 PM on June 27, 2016

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