LIONEL Messi has indicated his international football career is over after he blazed a penalty over the bar and Argentina lost the Copa América final to Chile.
The Argentina captain missed his spot kick in the decisive shootout at Met Life Stadium, which Chile went on to win 4-2 and secure their second Copa crown in two years, and was disconsolate on the pitch after the game.
“The national team is over for me. The decision is already made. That’s it,” Messi told Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports
The defeat continued Argentina’s trophy less run, which stands at 23 years, and Messi’s own personal misery now extends to four lost finals.
And now Mascherano and Aguero have also followed suit, with reports in Argentina suggesting that Angel Di Maria, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain and Lucas Biglia could ALL be poised to quit.
The exodus comes after a harrowing defeat on penalties yet again, with Chile holding their nerve to secure a second straight Copa America.
Speaking after the game, Aguero said: “”There are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team.
“This is the worst locker room I’ve ever been in, worse than the final in the World Cup in Brazil and the other Copa America.”
Gerardo Martino saw his side create a number of good chances but fail to find a way past Claudio Bravo in the Chile goal.
And he was sure that once the heartbreak of defeat heals, his side will stay together and push for World Cup qualification.
He said: “My impression is that they don’t have any reason not to continue. We’re in the middle of a very difficult World Cup qualification, which will continue in September.
“Besides, they’ve done well. They don’t have too much to scold themselves over.
“[Messi] is the way any footballer must be when he gets to the final and then loses. Certainly, to lose again is too painful to assume a posture that’s any different than that, either on the field or in the dressing room.”
Social media reacted in shock to the news – and the possibility that more players could follow suit.
