Ekun Samuel, 13 August 2016
Lionel Messi has waited patiently to be recognised as having won a major trophy with his country regardless of clubs accolades. But last June Copa America tournament eluded him once more, as Argentina lost to Chile for the second time in a row in a final which saw Lionel Messi missing a penalty as the game ended 4-2 on penalties.
Due to the seeming shock, the Argentine captain vowed to retire from International football which gave the world of football a shock and his country a storming shock. And has said he had thought about it and there was no going back.
Ever since his decision was made, there has been discontent amongst Argentine demanding football fans, even Argentine President had to give Messi a call which he said he will have to think about it. Street rallies was held and online messages posted begging him not to go. Such a love and support they all have all showed him, bearing in mind of his frustration having not won a major trophy at international level.
But he said in a statement on Friday that he wished to continue playing for his country as he preferred "to help from within".
"A lot of things went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great,"
"There are a lot of issues that need to be resolved in Argentine football, but I prefer to help from within and not to criticize from the outside," Messi's statement said.
"I send my thanks to all of those who want me to continue playing for Argentina. I hope that we'll be able to give them something to cheer about soon."
Argentina newly appointed coach Edgardo Bauza meanwhile had earlier met with Lionel Messi in Barcelona as he hoped to convince him to rejoin the squad and was due to announce his list of players for games against Uruguay on September 1 and Venezuela on September 6.
