A Career ending too soon for Messi! The misfortunes surrounding the football icon

Lionel Messi shocks fans after hanging his international boots on Monday (Fifa.com)

Perhaps the key talking point in World football right now that has blown waves of debates from football fans across the globe. Five times and current football’s World Player of the year Lionel Andres Messi announced his decision to terminate his national career with Argentina after yet again failing to win a title with his nation. Argentina were stunned by Chile for the second successive final in the Copa America Centenario final that ended in a 4-2 win for Chile through post-match penalties. Did Messi make the right decision to quit his national roles following the results?

Well, the question is simple but would definitely take different Angles to argue depending on which side one takes. Losing a third final in three years might not be a big blow for the Argentines, but their captain’s move to hang his boots has probably dimmed their hopes of ever winning a major title in the near future, with other possible exits from the team still widely expected if Sergio Aguero’s words after the Chile final are to go by. 

Despite winning everything with Barcelona and being hailed as one of the game’s greatest, Argentina’s loss at the Copa final in early Monday morning has undoubtedly left Messi far behind Diego Maradona and Pele, but is this enough to underestimate the 29-year-old star?

Here is a breakdown of Messi’s difficult moments with Argentina that has to some extent prompted his decision.

World Cup 2014 (Argentina 0-1 Germany)

The stage was set for Messi to showcase and prove his curriculum vitae as football’s ever greatest player on planet. After having won everything with Barcelona as well as breaking and setting a number of goalscoring records, the Argentine, just like any other star had the task of carrying his nation to World Cup glory, a task he undertook successfully all the way to the final before all went wrong for La Pulga at the final stage.

There were few clear chances by both sides in the normal 90 minutes with Gonzalo Higuain’s wasted opportunity in a one-on-one situation with Manuel Neur still remaining on the head of any Argentine faithful. An opportunity that would probably have awarded the South Americans their third World title. An additional 30 minutes of play were unavoidable, with a possibility of entering post-match penalties looking more likely. However, this never was to be as a super play from the Germans saw substitute Mario Gotze break the deadlock less than 10 minutes to the penalties with a fine finish.

At this time, tears were all over Argentine fans who could not contain the turn of events. Not to forget Messi who was on the verge of losing out in his first World Cup title that was more than close to him than ever. All eyes were on their superstar to pull one of his miracles but the Germans stood firm to protect their lead to the end. After that loss, it was time to move on, that was a first final loss and more would definitely come along the way in the name of Copas.

Copa America 2015 (Argentina 0-0 Chile {pen 1-4})
One year down the line and another title came calling for the Argentines and Messi supporters across the globe. This time all was set for the Copa America and with no Germans available, it was without doubt Argentina’s opportunity to bag the prize.

Messi was at it again, leading his team all the way to the final with only Chile to beat this time round. It however turned out to a nightmare for Messi and co. who had difficult time to control the spirited and physical Chile led by Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez. After a barren draw in 120 minutes, the post-match spot-kicks were the last resort to settle the teams.

Messi calmly converted his kick only to be let down by fellow teammates Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega who missed their takes. Sanchez, Aranguz, Vidal and Fernandez all netted as Chile cruised to a 4-1 win, leaving Messi disappointed for the second time. Another heartbreaking performance for the Barca star.

Copa America Centenario 2016 (Argentina 0-0 Chile {Pen 2-4})
Messi led his nation to yet another major final in a third successive year, a rare fete to be achieved by national teams in the current age of stiff competition. This indeed highlights this team’s fighting and consistency under the captaincy of La Pulga.

After missing out on the two previous finals, Argentina had no choice but step up and grab this year’s edition of the Copa America Centenario. And as widely expected, their campaign went all the way to the final to meet their old foes in the name of Chile with Messi again being the engine behind the performances. His 19-minute hat-trick against Panama shortly after being introduced as a substitute and the wonder free-kick against hosts USA will be remembered in this year’s competition.

Although Argentina without their captain registered a 2-1 win over Chile in their opening group match, the final turned to be something different for the World Cup finalists. In a replica of last year’s final, both sides could not find the net in 120 minutes while ending the game with 10-men each. Higuain was at it again, missing an open chance in a one-on-one situation with Claudio Bravo earlier on to put his side on the lead, but his effort moved few inches away from the post. Other attempts later in the game could not provide salvation for each side paving way for another penalty showcase, a gambling moment in football, as most would put it. Any team can always win at this point but why not Argentina?

This time round, Messi and Biglia were the ‘culprits’ as Argentina failed yet again to find answers on their third time of knocking.

Rough time with Argentine fans
Messi’s affection with Argentine fans has not leaved to the expectation as compared to the treatment he receives when at Barcelona. It has widely been presumed that fans are torn between Messi and Maradona on who is the greatest. Some believe the Barca star outshines his national idol with other parties maintaining Maradona remains the undisputed hero.

For instance, take a look at the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup when Barcelona met Argentine side River Plate. A section River fans spat on Messi and his club colleagues when the team was leaving Tokyo, Japan after their final triumph. The incident forced Javier Mascherano, Luis Suarez and head coach Luis Enrique to step in and intervene.

Recently, Maradona was quoted labeling the five-time Balloon D’ or winner as lacking leadership personalities of carrying his nation to major title shortly before the Copa final. This is totally unprofessional having in mind La Pulga’s achievement in the past three years.

However, reports now say there is an ongoing campaign to lure Messi back to the team shortly after the team arrived in the country from USA. Maradona has seemingly withdrawn his statement and called upon the 29-year old to reconsider his decision. Argentine Football Association has also joined fans asking Messi to return to the team. Atleast now the fans are realizing what they have been missing.

The pressure Messi has endured for his country is worth appreciating, taking his nation to three consecutive finals deserves more respect only to be denied by luck in the three occasions. Messi also become the country’s leading scorer with 55 goals in 113 games after scoring five times in the just concluded Copa tournament. La Pulga also the 2008 Beijing Olympic games with his team as well as an Under-20 World Cup three years earlier. Isn't this a great achievement for Leo?

Well, atleast now one feels why Messi took the decision to quit his national roles. The unlucky moments, pressure and lack of appreciation from a section of fans in his homeland are more for one to bear especially when its much welcoming at club level. Whether the Barcelona star may decide to turn back and withdraw his sentiments is still awaited to be seen, but as it stands, Messi needs respect and time to recover from these situations. 
International football will surely miss you Messi.