Argentina suffers a painful defeat, Messi speaks out about the biggest shock of his career

Lionel Messi reveals for the first time his feelings about retiring and subsequently returning to the Argentina squad in 2016, acknowledging his remorse, mental shock, and the most important lesson he learned in his career.

Recently, Lionel Messi reflected on his shocking decision to announce his retirement from the Argentina national team in 2016, following the loss to Chile in the penalty shootout of that year’s Copa America final. In an interview with Luzu TV, the Argentine superstar candidly admitted: “I regretted it a lot. Watching the matches, I truly felt tormented and blamed myself.”

Speaking about the few months away from the national team, from June to August 2016, Messi said that everyone must go through their own emotions, but the important thing is not to give up on what the heart tells you: “I was lucky to be able to come back. I stopped caring about what others said,” he shared.

Currently playing for Inter Miami, Messi also considers that decision as a major lesson in his career: “The clearest message is to never give up, keep trying. Fall down, get back up, and try again. And if you don’t succeed, at least you can be at peace knowing you did everything to chase your dream,” Messi emphasized.

After the bitter defeat to Chile in 2016, Messi shocked many by declaring in a quick post-match interview: “For me, everything is over with the national team. It’s hard to believe but I just couldn’t do it. Four finals, three Copa Americas, and one World Cup, maybe it’s not meant for me. I gave it my all, but maybe this is enough.”

However, less than two months later, between June 27 and August 12, everything changed. After a conversation with coach Edgardo Bauza, who was leading Argentina at the time, Messi posted an official announcement confirming his return to the national team. He made his comeback on September 1 in the match against Uruguay in Mendoza.

With a new look and dyed blonde hair, Messi was the sole goal scorer, helping Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 in the 7th round of the South American 2018 World Cup qualifiers. World Cup After the match, he expressed: “I wasn’t deceiving anyone when I said those things at that time. Those were my true feelings. It was a massive shock, but then I reconsidered.”