The five-time World Footballer of the year who missed a penalty, a 4-2 shootout defeat to Chile was brokenhearted before telling a Spanish reporter he will be retiring from international duty.
“It’s not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion,” the 29-year-old said.
Soccer lovers have now taken to their social media handles to express their views on Messi’s shock decision, with some lauding his achievements while others said he will be back.
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The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be. Grande Leo #Messi pic.twitter.com/Y2vebOs0pv
— Adly (@TheAdly) June 27, 2016
Dear #Messi ??? pic.twitter.com/lashJjgMB2
— Troll Cinema ( TC ) (@Troll_Cinema) June 27, 2016
#Messi is 29. He’s allowed to make emotional decisions.
Let’s hope the champ changes his mind, comes back for 2018. pic.twitter.com/xfWua48CSR
— Anup Kaphle (@AnupKaphle) June 27, 2016
To diminish #Messi on account of his national team travails is pure bile. Still one of the greatest humans to ever grace a soccer pitch.
— JustJude (@egbas) June 27, 2016
He’ll be back #Messi
— Eddie (@eddie_bradbury) June 27, 2016
He’ll be back #Messi
— Eddie (@eddie_bradbury) June 27, 2016
Sachin & #Messi , Gods only play in No. 10 jersey! pic.twitter.com/Ltth8FsSO7 https://t.co/aaLEaQpKnu
— Hasna Zaroori Hai (@HasnaZarooriHai) June 27, 2016
The Hardest Fact To Accept #Messi pic.twitter.com/ETXOnSe9bo
— Mehdiya Zehra (MZR) (@MehdiyaZehra) June 27, 2016
When u start dreaming of a footballer, U knows only #Messi he is not just a player, he is a DREAM. Happy retirement pic.twitter.com/U0RNhOao1E
— Richest Rich (@Iamrichestrich) June 27, 2016
Who’s up for a bet? #Messi will take back his retirement. Waitt for it. Thank me later you crying dying fans.
— Komal Shahid. (@ArmedWithWords) June 27, 2016
Football is not Football without #Messi
You’re the reason why Many Ppl started watching football
Don’t Go please?? pic.twitter.com/YpIctNhPKf— Joweria Malik ♡ (@Joweria_Malik) June 27, 2016
Being named among the best at something is special and beautiful. But if there are no titles nothing is won. #Messi pic.twitter.com/LQys5TYTy7
— Nabeel Khan (@hyp3rfr3ak) June 27, 2016
He took his country to 4 freaking finals and all they see is he missed a penalty Ln
They don’t deserve #Messi tbh pic.twitter.com/wzaytsxlkl
— ❤BarcaChic❤ (@i_am_sangi) June 27, 2016
It’s amazing. You can have everything and still find life holding something back. Kabhi kisiko mukammal jahan nahi milta! #Messi
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2016
He’ll take his retirement back 😉
Stop crying!!!#Messi— Marhoom Larka (@BakwasNaKarain) June 27, 2016
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