Lionel Messi Urged to Return to Argentina National-Team Duty by Diego Maradona
Jun 28, 2016
TOPSHOT - Argentina's Lionel Messi waits to receive the second place medal during the Copa America Centenario awards ceremony in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP / Nicholas Kamm (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina legend Diego Maradona has urged Lionel Messi to reconsider his retirement from the national team.
Per La Nacion (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani), Maradona said:
Messi has to stay in the national team. He will go to Russia in form to be world champion.
He has to rely more on boys who can help take the team forward and less on those who say they have to go.
Those who are saying he should quit are doing it so that we won't see what a disaster Argentine football has become.
Maradona expanded on the state of the Argentine Football Association, with the presidential election having been "marred by controversy and uncertainty," according to Pisani. He added: "I am very sorry and very angry with what is happening to Argentine football. We hit bottom, we reached the bottom."
Messi revealed his shocking decision on Sunday in the wake of Argentina's penalty-shootout defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final—a year after suffering the same fate in the 2015 edition of the tournament, and two years on from losing 1-0 to Germany in extra time at the 2014 World Cup final.
The Barcelona forward became Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer during the tournament as he netted five goals to overtake Gabriel Batistuta, but once again his efforts were not enough to seal victory at the final hurdle.
Fox Sports' Grant Wahl believes Messi's announcement has detracted from Chile's remarkable achievement but isn't sure he will follow through on his decision:
Love Lionel Messi for many reasons, but announcing a dubious international retirement was a truly uncool move to champions Chile.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 27, 2016
Meanwhile, football writer Liam Canning believes the story could have gone differently had Gonzalo Higuain showed his usual composure—in all three finals, the Napoli man missed crucial chances:
I'm surprised Messi didn't retire from international football earlier. Must be frustrating seeing Higuaín constantly squander huge chances.
Per Goal's Chris Davie, he said: "I never feel greater pride in our team. I hope the joy of seeing the best in the world will continue for many years more."
However, per BBC Sport, the 29-year-old said there would "be no going back" from his decision. Indeed, per football journalist Rafael Hernandez, fellow Argentina alumni Jorge Valdano does not believe Messi's mind can be changed:
Valdano: “I don’t know anyone in Argentina that could convince Messi to continue to play for the national team.”
After so much heartbreak with the national side compressed into just three years—which would never normally be the case on the international stage—Messi took a drastic decision with emotions running high.
When the dust settles and the air clears, it's evident many are hoping he will change his mind.
If not, La Albiceleste will need to rebuild without their talisman. They still boast a considerable amount of attacking talent, but carrying on without Messi will be a long and arduous process—the 2018 World Cup will provide a useful barometer to indicate how far they've come.
I Quit: Lionel Messi's Retirement Turns Argentina Copa Dream into Nightmare
Jun 27, 2016
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) and his teammates receive their medals during trophy presentations after the Copa America Centenario championship soccer match, Sunday, June 26, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks to win the championship. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Lionel Messi pushed himself to the limits of his physical and mental endurance to deliver the Copa America for Argentina. But, ultimately, even his incomparable skills were not enough in the MetLife Arena, New Jersey, as Chile claimed the title on penalties.
After such optimism, the nation finished the competition in a crisis that may take years to mend.
While the captain's bombshell decision to retire from international duty was not exactly expected, a sign of his devastation was obvious from the moment the first penalty against Chile was launched into the stratosphere. Messi had fought a losing battle throughout the final, and when it came to the shootout, there was nothing left in the tank.
The shootout may have turned out very differently had the Barcelona star drilled his kick down the middle instead of harmlessly over Claudio Bravo's crossbar. Arturo Vidal and Sergio Romero had given the Albiceleste the advantage, but the omens were once more against a team that just cannot kick the habit of finishing second.
Lucas Biglia followed his captain by putting a tame penalty well within Bravo's reach, and the photo of Messi sitting disconsolate on the bench was another photographic stain on his glittering career following the iconic images that followed defeat in the 2014 World Cup and in the Copa just 12 months ago.
"That's it, the national team is over for me," he admitted to TyC Sports in the mixed zone once the dust settled on another failure in Argentina colours (per Ole). "We've had four finals, this isn't for me unfortunately. This is what I most desired, I sought victory but it was not to be. That's it."
Those were the words of a broken man, the best player in the world who for a fourth time had seen his dreams and those of a nation shattered by the whims and cruelty of the beautiful game.
It had all looked so different just weeks ago. Messi had sat out the opening match against Chile, but once he re-entered the Argentina team following his recovery from a back problem suffered in a friendly win over Honduras, it looked like 2016 was destined to be his year.
Panama were dispatched 5-0 thanks to an incredible 26-minute hat-trick from La Pulga. Bolivia too were given short shrift, as Nicolas Otamendi, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Erik Lamela sealed a first-half victory that meant Messi's recuperation took place in a second 45 minutes that was little more than an exhibition.
Once the knockouts got going, Messi and Argentina looked unstoppable. A staggering pass to set up Gonzalo Higuain set the tone against Venezuela, and Messi netted his fourth of the campaign following a neat one-two with Nicolas Gaitan to break through the Vinotinto defence. When hosts United States beckoned in the last-four, it was time to ramp up performances even further.
Yet another assist from the top drawer followed, this time for Lavezzi. But La Pulga went even further, swerving in a free-kick past Brad Guzan that appeared to be an unmistakeable statement of intent in Houston. Another pair of goals for Higuain sealed a 4-0 triumph, with the US men's national team failing to muster even a single shot on Romero's goal.
But yet, despite marching into the final, Argentina could not shake the fear that is generated in a player following repeated failure when it really counts.
Messi was going into his fourth final without a single winner's medal. For Marcos Rojo, Higuain, Aguero and others, it was their third in as many years. The old workhorse Javier Mascherano, Argentina's sole veteran from the 2004 Copa America shootout defeat at Brazil's hands, was aiming for fifth time lucky.
Even Gerardo Martino had to revert the weight of history. The Rosario-born coach had taken Paraguay to a 3-0 final defeat to Uruguay in 2011 and saw tournament hosts Chile run out winners on penalties in Santiago in 2015. It was Tata's third straight Copa final, and he had never tasted victory.
Ultimately, that pressure proved too much for almost all of the side—even Messi. All of that fine work earlier on was for nothing, as Chile—not the same side as Jorge Sampaoli's slick unit a year back, but with the same fight and hunger—proved viciously tricky opposition.
The Roja made plenty of tackles to keep La Pulga in check. They battled for every ball and rose highest to expel the Albiceleste's desperate crossing. Gary Medel, Chile's diminutive guerrilla that typifies the heart of a nation, stretched his 5'7" frame to impossible dimensions and won every single aerial duel he contested, according to Opta.
Above all, the side coached by Juan Antonio Pizzi played with the confidence that only a title can bring. For nine-tenths of their campaign, Argentina had been the best in the tournament, and Messi was an unrivalled star stateside, but once more, they have fallen short.
Only this time there might not be any way back. Messi has announced his retirement, although those in charge will likely beg and plead him to stay on at least until Russia 2018.
Aguero, Higuain and Mascherano are all considering following the same route, according to the Manchester City man at full-time (per Ole): "Nobody could offer an explanation because we were all f--ked. Sadly, the most devastated man is Leo."
The Argentina team as we know it, the Golden Generation that lifted the Under-20 World Cups of 2005 and 2007 and sealed Olympic Games triumphs in 2004 and 2008, is coming to an end.
Messi was its standard-bearer, and his desolate figure at the end of proceedings in New Jersey was symbolic for a team that was so close, and yet so far, from taking glory.
Lionel Messi Quits Argentina: Twitter Reacts to Star's International Retirement
Jun 27, 2016
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JUNE 26: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on against Chile during the Copa America Centenario Championship match at MetLife Stadium on June 26, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Barcelona star Lionel Messi shockingly decided to retire from international football in the wake of Argentina's loss to Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario on Sunday, per ESPN FC. It was the third straight loss in the final of a major tournament for La Albiceleste.
The UEFA Champions League's official Twitter account confirmed the news:
Messi entered the Copa America in fantastic form and finished the tournament with five goals, one less than top scorer Eduardo Vargas of Chile. He failed to find the net in the final, however, and missed Argentina's first penalty kick in the shootout after the match had finished 0-0. Lucas Biglia and Chile's Arturo Vidal also missed, and Francisco Silva fired Chile to their second successive Copa America.
Fox Sports (h/t Bleacher Report UK) shared footage of what could've been Messi's final kick for his country:
As shared by the Sun, Argentina's top star took his miss and the subsequent loss badly:
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) June 27, 2016
It marked Messi's fourth loss in the final of a major international tournament, and if he never returns to La Albiceleste, he'll finish his international career with an Olympic gold medal, which he won in 2008, but no Copa America or World Cup.
Per DW News' Mischa Heuer, Messi's announcement created a surge of activity on social media:
Plenty of fans refused to accept the Barcelona star's retirement, and pundits soon joined in, pointing out the decision was made in the heat of the moment and that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner could return for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
One fan made the comparison to cricket star Shahid Afridi, who has retired and then returned to international cricket on several occasions since 2011:
Dear Messi, This is Shahid Afridi.
He retires every year. Comes out of every retirement.
Sport Illustrated's Grant Wahl gave Argentinian fans some hope:
If you're asking me whether Messi plays in World Cup 2018, I suspect the answer is yes.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 27, 2016
Inevitably, discussions regarding Messi's legacy also broke out. Compatriot Diego Maradona had his defining moment with the 1986 World Cup triumph, which cemented his place in history. Brazil's Pele is mainly remembered for winning three World Cups rather than his scoring records.
The two greatest players of this era―Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo―haven't enjoyed any success on the international stage, however, and it was rightly pointed out football is a team game and that players can't be judged on silverware alone.
Goal's Robin Bairner perhaps put it best:
Careers can't be judged on international success alone. Stephane Guivarc'h won World Cup - doesn't make him better than #Messi. #Maradona
If Messi never returns to international football, his final kick in an Argentina shirt will have been the missed penalty, and that's a painful memory to have.
His legacy is safe with or without major international trophies, however, and as he's just 29 years old, fans will likely get to watch him play with Barcelona for many more years to come.
Lionel Messi 'Broken' After Copa America Final Penalty Miss, Says Sergio Aguero
Jun 27, 2016
Argentina's Lionel Messi (L) greets Argentina's Sergio Aguero after their Copa America Centenario football quarterfinal match against Venezuela in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States, on June 18, 2016. / AFP / Nelson ALMEIDA (Photo credit should read NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina striker Sergio Aguero said captain Lionel Messi was "broken" after missing from the spot in his country's Copa America Centenario final penalty-shootout defeat to Chile on Sunday evening. Plus, the forward hinted he could follow his team-mate into early international retirement.
La Albiceleste lost a third major final in two years on Sunday, and Aguero emphasised just how badly five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi took the defeat, per the Mirror's Hamish Mackay:
We are all s----y, we are trying to think about other things and continue on forward. But it's hard. Once again luck has gone against us.
Unfortunately, the most broken one is Messi for his missed penalty. It is the worst I have ever seen him in the dressing rooms after a game.
Messi, 29, announced his retirement from international football after the result, per the Sun's Jim Sheridan, saying: "For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion. My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I’m done playing with the national team."
The forward leaves Argentina's ranks as the nation's top scorer with 55 goals in 113 appearances, but it's possible his last kick for the team could go down as one of the worst sign-offs in football:
Manchester City marvel Aguero, 28, and Barcelona's Javier Mascherano, 32, are also said to have hung up their boots, with Angel Di Maria, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain and Lucas Biglia all reportedly set to follow.
Chile's Gary Medel and Argentina's Sergio Aguero vie for the ball during the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP / ALFREDO ESTRELLA (Photo credit should read ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/Get
Argentina would be losing a dangerous amount of superstar talent if the reports prove accurate, and manager Gerardo Martino's side could face a major rebuild during their bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Sunday's loss was the second year in succession Argentina have surrendered the Copa America to Chile via a penalty shootout, both of which came after defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.
(L-R) Argentinian footballers Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi and Sergio Aguero take part in a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, on May 23, 2016, in preparation for the Copa America Centenario in the United States. / AFP / EITAN
The series of near-misses would be difficult for any player to take, and for Messi, it appears to have become too tiresome to continue through, with others following suit.
Goal's Sam Lee provided more context on the emotion surrounding the team following their emotional loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario, a tournament they were favoured to win from the outset:
Mascherano crying as he came out of the dressing room, Aguero says a few players are considering retirement as well as Messi. #CA100
It's a worrying predicament for Argentina considering so many of those speculated to be considering retirement are either in or approaching their physical primes.
Bleacher Report's Jason Pettigrove described the chaos that emerged late on Sunday evening as the world reacted to Argentina's finale fallout the following morning:
Messi and Aguero are known to be firm friends in the Argentina camp, and the Barcelona talisman is even godfather to his international team-mate's son, Benjamin, per Yahoo, meaning a sense of solidarity may have played its role in the exodus.
The Argentinian media's treatment of their hallowed son may also be partly to blame for Messi's retirement, and the forward encountered particularly harsh criticism after La Albiceleste failed to win the World Cup two years ago.
In an interview with Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports in December 2014, Messi refused to accept blame for the World Cup loss to Germany and told his critics to "p--s off" (h/t Mirror's Liam Prenderville).
Losing Messi and Aguero to retirement would be bad enough for the country, but to also lose Higuain and Di Maria, both 28, would reduce the country's attacking options substantially.
Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from Argentina National Team
Jun 27, 2016
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after missing his shot during penalty kicks in the Copa America Centenario championship soccer match, Sunday, June 26, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2- in penalty kicks. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A fourth loss in a major international tournament final was too much to bear for Lionel Messi.
Following Argentina's 4-2 defeat on penalty kicks to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday night, the Barcelona star announced he is retiring from international football:
Messi was one of two Argentine players to miss his penalty kick, and he was visibly distraught on the pitch after the match, per Vice Sports' Mike Tunison:
Given the emotional toll the loss took on him, Messi may have been speaking prematurely before thinking his decision through. ESPN FC's James Tyler wondered as much:
I mean, people say things when they lose. We've all done it. When dust settles, will tonight's words ring true?
— James Tyler (still) (@JamesTylerESPN) June 27, 2016
"I've seen Leo like this before," teammate Sergio Aguero said, per Argentine football journalist Sam Kelly. "He's the best in the world, and he'll keep being it. ... He's not said anything to me."
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl wondered whether Messi's announcement was directed toward the Argentine Football Federation (AFA):
Hard to know if Messi is being serious about retirement or just emotional right now. Argentine federation is a disaster at the moment.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 27, 2016
The situation at the AFA has gotten so bad that FIFA announced Friday it has temporarily taken control of the association in hopes of cleaning things up and electing a new governing body by June 2017. Kelly outlined the problems facing the AFA:
AFA: - No president - No idea how next season's Primera will be - Hawk nat'l team around for $ - Might be about to be deaffiliated from FIFA
If Sunday was Messi's last stand with Argentina, it would be one of the most shocking international retirements in football history. Philipp Lahm left the German national team at a relatively young age (30), but that was immediately after Germany had won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, rather than following a heartbreaking defeat.
Not only is Messi still one of the best players in the world, but he also hasn't tasted the same kind of team success with Argentina that he has with Barcelona. Unless that happens, his legacy will always have a small void.
He may have a change of heart by the time Argentina's World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in September. The 2018 World Cup will likely be Messi's last opportunity to compete at the event, and passing up on that chance won't be easy for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Lionel Messi's Penalty Disaster Sums Up an Argentina That Wilted Under Pressure
Jun 26, 2016
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after losing 4-2 to Chile in penalty kicks during the Copa America Centenario championship soccer match, Sunday, June 26, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina's Copa America hopes went flying out of MetLife Stadium at roughly the same height and velocity as Lionel Messi's skied penalty. The Albiceleste have once more choked in a major final, and the Barcelona legend must wonder if he will ever take the title he craves so badly in international colours.
As Francisco Silva tucked home the winning kick to seal the centenary Copa for Chile after a tense, nasty 0-0 draw, the cameras inevitably panned on Messi. No. 10, the source of so much of Argentina's joyful attacking play this tournament, was visibly distraught.
Messi had spent much of the 120 minutes beforehand trying desperately to invigorate the Albiceleste, but it was a losing cause. The team that had cruised past Bolivia, Panama, Venezuela and the United States had vanished into thin air, taking with it the carefree attitude seldom seen on the international stage.
What reigned in New Jersey were the demons that have haunted the side for the last 23 years. Fear of losing, nerves, a failure to take chances, a timid outlook when decisive voices were needed. And ultimately, even the captain, who for so long had led his team along when heads were down—showing a skipper's personality in droves—could not resist the overwhelming wave of negativity that had infected the entire Argentina team, from coach Gerardo Martino onward.
Chile, one of the fiercest teams in football and with an indomitable spirit, barely seemed to tremble when Arturo Vidal's opening penalty was stopped by Sergio Romero. But when Messi blazed his own effort far over Claudio Bravo's crossbar, it deflated his own team, making the result little more than a foregone conclusion.
One year ago, Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega were the villains from the spot. This time around, Lucas Biglia found no way through the sprightly Bravo. Meanwhile Nicolas Castillo, Charles Aranguiz and Jean Beausejour effortlessly converted their own efforts and Silva dealt the killer blow, sealing a second Copa title in as many years for a Roja side that must now, having absorbed the pain of losing Jorge Sampaoli, be considered among the world's elite.
But the same conclusion could just as easily have been made during the game itself. Juan Antonio Pizzi's team, packed with players such as Eduardo Vargas, Mauricio Isla, and Beausejour who have never made it past mid-table obscurity in a major European league, are far more than the sum of its parts.
Argentina, meanwhile, have all the talent but seem unable to deliver when it really counts. There is no better example of that under-achievement than looking squarely up the pitch at Higuain and Sergio Aguero.
Higuain smashed 36 goals in Serie A last season for Napoli. Aguero adds another 24 in just 30 Premier League games at the Etihad Stadium. But neither has been capable of reproducing that form when it really counts for Argentina. Pipita evoked painful memories of the 2014 World Cup final with a one-on-one miss, while El Kun ambled about the pitch, making the wrong decisions more often than not and spurning a brilliant chance with a shot that soared high into the MetLife stands.
Credit must go too to Bravo, who—with two Liga titles, two Copas America, two Copas del Rey and a Champions League winner's medal—has become the most successful player on the planet. The goalkeeper never faltered, and came up with a save worthy of the occasion to deny Aguero and keep Chile on track.
It once more was Messi against the world, with the Barcelona player at one point grabbing the ball on the halfway line, surging forward 40 yards on goal and flashing a shot wide of Bravo's right-hand post. Argentina were waiting for La Pulga to do something special, as most of his team-mates appeared paralysed by the fear of losing another final, but there were no more tricks left in the bag, no more rabbits to pull out of his hat.
There are plenty of positives to be taken from this Copa from an Argentine point of view. Banega proved himself as an international midfielder of the highest quality, playing an ideal foil to Messi and arguably standing out as Argentina's best performer over the entire competition.
Ditto Ramiro Funes Mori. The Albiceleste may not have even reached the shoot-out had the Everton defender not made a stunning tackle to deny Chile with the goal at point-blank range towards the end of the clash. His partnership with Nicolas Otamendi proved rock-solid, with just two goals conceded in 570 minutes of football in the United States, and he will surely continue as the heart of defence through the World Cup qualifiers.
Matias Kranevitter also showed he has the potential to succeed Javier Mascherano as the midfield's anchorman with two fleeting but impressive performances, one in the heat of the final itself. In Brazil throughout August, a new generation of stars will look to make their case for selection. That will be timely, as this Copa America should prove the end of the line for many of Argentina's players.
Argentina were defeated by Chile, but they were also defeated by their own fear. The fear of losing again, the fear of being humiliated by a dangerous Chile in front of so many expectant fans, the fear that the unthinkable nightmare of being vanquished in a third successive final could actually come true.
A glorious chance has now come and gone. Argentina should have been untouchable in the U.S., but the weight of pressure beat them. Messi proved that he is human, but his anguish was only the most obvious example of a team that has underachieved and fallen at the final hurdle for the better part of a generation.
Can Messi still win a title for his beloved nation? Russia 2018 should not be an insurmountable goal. But first each and every player in the Albiceleste must face up to some hard truths, and break the mental block that appears when silverware is in reach. If not, the best player of the last 30 years will forever carry the millstone of failing to break Argentina's evermore painful trophy drought.
Argentina Have No Excuses If They Fail to Win Copa America Centenario
Jun 26, 2016
Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain (9) celebrates his goal against the United States with midfielder Lionel Messi, left, and forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, center, during a Copa America Centenario semifinal soccer match, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Houston. Argentina won 4-0. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
NEW JERSEY — Argentina national football team manager Gerardo Martino cut a nervous figure in his press conference before the Copa America Centenario final, virtually ignoring the first few questions, providing short, curt answers of around one line, often missing the point of the inquiry. After a while, someone called him out on it, asking if he felt a little unsettled.
"There are too many of you. Normally there are fewer of you. You get a little flustered," he explained.
The nerves were uncharacteristic and showed how much pressure is on the coach's shoulders to deliver a nation the title they have craved for 23 years.
In 1993, two goals from Gabriel Batistuta handed Argentina a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Copa America final. The star of this generation, Lionel Messi, surpassed the legendary striker's record goal tally at this tournament, and now he must emulate his title success, too.
He was, as usual, the centre of attention ahead of the final Sunday night in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Partly because he creates headlines and the managers are always asked about him, and partly because he took part in a press conference of his own Friday night.
Messi had criticised the Argentine Football Association in an Instagram post beforehand, complaining about the organisation because their flight from Houston to New York was delayed.
"Once more waiting on a plane to try to get to our destination...what a disaster the AFA are for God's sake," he wrote.
CORRECTION - Argentina´s player Lionel Messi (R) and Gonzalo Higuain practice during a training session at the Quest Diagnostics in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 24, 2016.
Argentina will face Chile on June 26 in their final match of the Copa America
Perhaps Messi didn't know, but electrical storms in Chicago had caused huge delays and many cancellations to flights going both to the Windy City and also past it, with Newark and JFK airports both affected, too.
It seemed a needless rant from Messi, who at his press conference admitted the team weren't affected by it, and he would explain more after the tournament was over. Messi said, per the Buenos Aires Herald:
I want to think about the final. After that, we can talk about what I think, what I believe. After the final, I’ll explain why I wrote what I wrote and all my thoughts about it. What’s going on in the AFA has not affected us. What we’re asking for is minimal: to travel and to rest properly. Things have been going on for a while now and we haven’t said anything. We only think about our objectives. Argentina’s national team is a world class team that requires the best in order to do the right things.
The message was clear from Messi—any grievance he has with the AFA cannot be blamed for failure at this tournament. There can be no more excuses for Argentina.
Germany beat them in the 2014 World Cup final, Chile saw them off on penalties at the 2015 Copa America at the last hurdle, and now they have a third chance in three years to stop the rot and lift a trophy.
That is Messi’s focus, his goal.
"I don't know if it is my last opportunity [to win an international trophy], but we have to take advantage of it and take this cup by any means," he said, per Sky Sports.
"It is the fourth final that I've played with the national team, and I'd like to change the story some day and to become champion."
Argentina's Lionel Messi kicks the ball during a training session in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 25, 2016, on the eve of the Copa America final against Chile. / AFP / NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
Messi has not been at his best in previous finals for Argentina, so the onus is on him to play how he has been performing in the rest of the games so far—the tournament’s best player at this stage, followed by Arturo Vidal.
The Chile midfielder is back from suspension, and he will be key for his side if they are to upset the odds and beat the Albiceleste.
It’s in midfield that Chile can overrun Argentina, with Atletico Madrid midfielder Augusto Fernandez injured, with either Lucas Biglia or Matias Kranevitter to come in alongside Javier Mascherano and Ever Banega.
As Martino confirmed in his press conference, there are no other injury worries beyond Ezequiel Lavezzi, who fractured his elbow, which means Angel di Maria is back in contention for a spot.
"After Messi, Di Maria is the next most decisive player in this Argentina side," said Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi at his own press conference, which started around an hour after Martino’s ended at the MetLife Stadium's Coaches Club.
Compared to Martino, he was calm and collected, a surprise as he is not used to big occasions like these.
Chile's coach Juan Antonio Pizzi speaks at a press conference in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 25, 2016, on the eve of the Copa America final against Argentina. / AFP / NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
"Without a doubt it’s the most important match of my career," he said at the start. "I’m enjoying it like the rest of the squad, I hope and I trust that we can play a good match and win the cup again.
"With regards to how we’re shaping up for this match I think we’re in very good form. A lot of confidence, and I think we’re well prepared for tomorrow’s match."
Pizzi recognised the Messi danger factor and says Chile will put into place a plan to try to combat his threat. "We’re going to use whatever weapons we consider are best to stop any of our opponents," he said.
"With these strategies, Messi really spurs forward their attacks. We see it every week when he plays with the national team but also many times with Barcelona. The virtues he has individually to destabilise an opponent mean we need to have some kind of mechanism in place to counter them. Otherwise he will be able to change the game."
Argentina saw what happened when Chile shackled Messi in last year’s final. At times, there were up to five men trying to stop him. However, his team-mates didn’t do their part to help him out.
Gonzalo Higuain was particularly bad, but no Argentina players impressed in Santiago's Estadio Nacional, with Pablo Zabaleta the best of a bad bunch.
Messi received rough treatment, with Gary Medel crashing a leg into his midriff at one point, and from Pizzi's words, he can expect similar treatment again in this final.
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (L) is fouled by Chile's defender Gary Medel (R) next to Chile's midfielder Jean Beausejour during their 2015 Copa America final football match, in Santiago, Chile, on July 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BERNETTI (Phot
He may even be "betrayed" by his own team, with Martino saying Argentina would be willing to give up their own game as long as it meant they got a result.
"It would be worth it just to achieve this and leave the how to one side," explained the coach.
And while Argentines may debate long and hard over whether that is a good philosophy—it seems to be similar to the one which has left Brazil in the muck—what is for sure is that a Copa America victory, however it is achieved, will be greeted triumphantly.
Messi may become loved by fans who previously reserved that spot in their heart for the likes of Carlos Tevez and Diego Maradona.
But fall short in a final for the third year running, and instead Argentina will be considered failures. They will be afraid to return to their own country for fear of the scorn that will pour down on them.
Chile will play the final without much pressure, having won the competition the year before, while the Albiceleste carry over two decades of heartbreak on their shoulders. It is time that came to an end.
Argentina's 3rd Time Lucky? Nothing but Victory Will Do in the Copa America
Jun 25, 2016
FILE - In this July 4, 2015, file photo, Argentina's Lionel Messi walks by the Copa America trophy after receiving the silver medal after the final game with Chile at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile. Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made a save and striker Alexis Sanchez converted the winning penalty as host Chile defeated Argentina 4-1 in a shootout after a 0-0 draw in the Copa America final.(AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)
For the third time in as many years, Argentina will be lining up on Sunday for a major international final. But this time only a victory will suffice for the Albiceleste: Failure to lift the Copa America Centenario against Chile could only be interpreted as a catastrophe.
To paraphrase the great Oscar Wilde, to lose one final may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. To lose another, then, would be a body blow for Gerardo Martino, his players and especially Lionel Messi—the world's finest football player who as yet cannot boast an international title to display alongside his unparalleled success at club level.
The good news for Argentina is that ahead of the final, Messi has been at his very finest. It was a slow start for the Barcelona phenomenon, who missed the first game against Sunday's fellow finalists through injury.
Messi then burst onto the Copa scene with an incredible second-half hat-trick off the bench to sink Panama. That 5-0 drubbing set the tone for a tournament that has featured attacking of the finest quality from the Albiceleste.
A quintet of goals against the Canaleros was followed by a routine 3-0 win over Bolivia, with all three goals coming in the first half to assure first place in Group D. Venezuela were up next and were vanquished by a wonderful display of sustained offensive brilliance in a 4-1 rout.
The best, however, was yet to come. Hosts United States were on a roll with three consecutive victories, but they had no answer to either the majestic Messi, who repeated his Vinotinto haul with a stunning goal and two assists, and the rest of the rampant Albiceleste.
Jurgen Klinsmann's men never looked like taking anything in Houston, and it was not just Messi. From the goal-hungry Gonzalo Higuain to metronomic Ever Banega in midfield, and even the supporting cast of Augusto Fernandez and Ezequiel Lavezzi, everyone pitched in to cap a complete performance across the pitch and a 4-0 win that took Martino's men to the final.
Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi (3-R) celebrates with teammates after scoring against USA during their Copa America Centenario semifinal football match in Houston, Texas, United States, on June 21, 2016. / AFP / Omar Torres (Photo credit should read
In four games since that tense Chile opener, Argentina have smashed 16 goals, conceding just once. Indeed, against the United States Sergio Romero did not face a single shot on goal, pointing at a dominance rarely seen in the international arena.
What is more, the South Americans have advanced to the final at a time when the atmosphere on the home front has been far from ideal. The Argentine FA (AFA) suffered judicial intervention just days before the team kicked off the Copa, on allegations of administrative irregularities, according to the Associated Press (via the Daily Mail).
There were even threats to pull the team out altogether from the tournament, which ultimately—and to the joy of fans stateside—did not occur. But the chaos back home can be felt thousands of miles to the north, most notably with Messi's complaint that the AFA was a "disaster" published on Instagram days prior to the final.
A photo posted by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:20pm PDT
"The national team is a world force that needs to have the best things; that would be ideal," Messi explained in a press conference on Friday, per Ole, clarifying his outburst.
"I said what I did because different things keep piling up on us. We have to change and start doing things right." It was a rare controversial statement from a player who prefers to do his talking on the pitch and speaks of the political impasse that continues in the AFA's Buenos Aires office with endless plots, feuds and backbiting destroying everyday management.
Thankfully on the pitch that strife has been almost imperceptible. The Argentine team has clicked for perhaps the first time since Martino took over on a consistent basis, playing fluid, attractive football. Just one hurdle remains to cap that progress again; although Chile will be in no way inclined to sacrifice the title won less than 12 months ago.
If Argentina have been a model of constant excellence over the past month, the Copa America holders have found their best form as the competition has moved into the final stages. Juan Antonio Pizzi's men were fairly beaten against the Albiceleste and showed vulnerability even in wins over Bolivia and Panama to finish Group D in second.
Since then, however, the improvement has been stunning. Mexico were dispatched with a pitiless 7-0 humiliation, and while the scoreline was not as large in Chicago, Colombia were a distant second-best in Wednesday's tornado-interrupted semi-final.
Chile hit hard, they hit fast and they use the entire pitch to hurt their opponents. In Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal the Roja possess a creative axis not far off Argentina's artists Messi and Banega, an aggressive death-metal band in comparison with the Albiceleste Mozart and Beethoven but every bit as effective on the right day.
The two sides have already met twice since that fateful final, where Higuain and Banega's penalty misses condemned Argentina to defeat. In March's World Cup qualifier, Felipe Gutierrez threatened a repeat of Chile's victory in Santiago, before Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado stepped in to reverse the scoreline and put Martino's Russia 2018 back on track.
Di Maria and Banega combined to post the same 2-1 scoreline in the nation's Group D opener, leaving Chile behind on paper. Indeed, with eight successive wins in competitive matches, few sides in the world could match up to this team when they are at their mercurial best.
None of that, however, will matter on Sunday. The pressure is on Argentina to make it third-time lucky after the disappointments of the Maracana and Santiago, and while they have the ability to do so, they must step up to the occasion and prove Messi's claims of being a world force can be backed up by the trophies to match.
Diego Maradona Comments on Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo and More
Jun 24, 2016
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 10: Diego Maradona and his girlfriend Rocio Oliva attend the UEFA Euro 2016 Group A opening match between France and Romania at Stade de France on June 10, 2016 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Former Argentina international Diego Maradona has warned his compatriots not to come back if they lose the 2016 Copa America Centenario final against Chile on Sunday.
He also believes Portugal's over-reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo could doom them in their Euro 2016 match against Croatia, and he called his infamous “Hand of God” goal against England revenge for the Falklands War.
The legendary footballer has never shied away from giving his opinions, and he did so again ahead of the Copa America final and Euro 2016 knockout stages. Speaking to C5N (h/t ESPN FC), he was confident Argentina would avenge last year's loss to Chile: "Of course I think we'll win. But if you don't win, don't come back."
The Albiceleste will once again meet rivals Chile in the Copa final, one year after their loss in a penalty shootout. Argentina have looked mighty impressive so far in the tournament, and star forward Lionel Messi passed Maradona as the nation's all-time leading scorer in the process. He now has 38 career goals in the iconic kit.
While Messi and his team-mates are once again the favourites to hoist the Copa trophy, Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez likes the Chilean's chances:
Argentina has it hard to beat Chile on Sunday, Pizzi’s side is a better team and more compact side.
Maradona wasn't finished, however. Per Times of India (h/t ESPN FC), he elaborated on Ronaldo's role in Portugal's Euro 2016 bid, and how the team's reliance on his scoring and creativity could backfire:
Portugal are too dependent on Ronaldo. He was brilliant against Hungary, but they are half the force if he doesn't click and the tactically astute Croats will ensure he is low on supply.
He may have to move around for space and chances of Portugal's success hinge on how well he does that. They also have to plug holes in midfield and defence, because these are areas where mistakes may lead to elimination. Croatia start favourites.
The Real Madrid star almost single-handedly fired Portugal to the round of 16, scoring twice and providing an assist against Group F winners Hungary in their final match. The 3-3 draw set up a tricky clash with an in-form Croatia side, who have already beaten defending champions Spain and appear a far more balanced team.
Ronaldo hasn't been at his best during the tournament, but his great showing against Hungary indicates he's rounding into form. Croatia's defence should present the 31-year-old with a far stiffer challenge, however, and their midfield group of Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic has the potential to dominate the battle for possession.
That might just be what Portugal need, however―Ronaldo's speed would be a major weapon on the counter-attack. The two teams will meet on Saturday.
Finally, the 1986 FIFA World Cup winner looked back on one of the most famous moments of his career, recalling the “Hand of God” goal 30 years after beating England 2-1. As reported by the Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon, the Falklands War was still fresh in the players' minds when the match took place, and Maradona and his team-mates were more than happy to grab the win:
We played that game with boots and rifles.
After the game we celebrated until we cried.
It felt like we had done justice, well maybe not justice but made good for the mothers who had lost sons in the Falklands.
For that goal I thought Shilton was going to clatter me. But it was like he'd taken a Xanax, he pulled out.
A little guy of 1.67 metres beat a big guy of 1.88 metres to the ball... but with his hand. It was like I robbed their wallets!
Maradona opened the score by beating goalkeeper Peter Shilton to a high, looping ball, and replays confirmed the legendary forward struck the ball with his hand. Here's a look at the historic moment:
Minutes later, he doubled his team's lead with a stunning solo effort, dubbed the “Goal of the Century.” Argentina held on to beat England and advance to the semi-finals. Maradona and his team-mates then defeated West Germany 3-2 in the final, the last time the Albiceleste won the World Cup.
Lionel Messi Must Perform in Copa America Final After Driving Argentina to Brink
Jun 23, 2016
Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain (9) celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring against USA during their Copa America Centenario semifinal football match in Houston, Texas, United States, on June 21, 2016. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, Texas — Lionel Messi shifted his eyes to his right and saw Gonzalo Higuain talking to journalists further down the long mixed-zone line at the NRG Stadium. If he timed it right, he could leave the Argentinian television reporters he was speaking to, evade the ones speaking to Higuain and get onto the team coach.
But the Napoli striker, whom he had set up for the final goal in Argentina’s 4-0 crushing of the United States, left, and Messi was the last Argentina player to make his way out. So he rushed past the written-press journalists, stopping only to sign one American reporter’s programme.
"Asking for autographs or personal photos will result in the loss of your credential," read warning signs taped to the barrier of the mixed zone that divides players from journalists, but this guy did not care. Maybe it was the end of his tournament anyway, or perhaps he just had to capitalise on the rare, precious moment of Messi being in his city.
He wasn’t collared for it, although Messi later was, speaking once more to reporters at the end of the mixed zone before he could leave. Someone he knew called out to him, and that was it, he was sucked in.
Argentina's Lionel Messi drives the ball past USA's Chris Wondolowski during their Copa America Centenario semifinal football match in Houston, Texas, United States, on June 21, 2016. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J.
Messi is a shy character, but there was plenty to talk about on a night in which he inspired Argentina as they reached another major final—their third in three years.
His free-kick—a stupendous, rasping effort that seemed to defy gravity as it lashed its way into Brad Guzan’s top-left corner, the side of the goal he was protecting—was Argentina’s second goal of the night and sent them well on their way to reaching the Copa America Centenario final.
It was also the 55th of his international career, a number that makes him Argentina’s all-time top scorer, after he equalled Gabriel Batistuta’s record with his goal against Venezuela in the quarter-final.
Back in the mixed zone, asked about taking over from Batigol, Messi replied: “I am happy. I have to thank the team-mates with whom I've played. The record is thanks to them.”
The Barcelona No. 10 was, as he often is in public, being extremely modest. Messi had not only scored that sumptuous free-kick, but he also created the first goal for Ezequiel Lavezzi with a gorgeous lobbed pass which left Guzan and his defence confounded. He also set up Higuain for his second goal to round off the rout.
“I'm happy for what we've achieved,” he continued. “From the first day we did things in a spectacular way, and we deserve to be here, for how we've been working. I hope that [the final] goes well.”
But the reality of the situation is that it’s up to Messi whether the final goes well.
Ahead of the semi-final on Tuesday, United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said there were ways to limit the Ballon d’Or holder.
"It's now Lionel Messi's time," he explained. "When I had the opportunity to play many games against Maradona, it was Maradona's time. We all admire these types of players, but there are also ways to stop them. There are ways to play against these wonderful players."
Argentina's Lionel Messi (out of frame) scores a free-kick against USA during their Copa America Centenario semifinal football match in Houston, Texas, United States, on June 21, 2016. / AFP / OMAR TORRES (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP/
The problem was, the U.S. couldn’t work out what they were. Kyle Beckerman thought he’d figured it out when he took down Messi over 25 yards out instead of letting him continue his mazy run at goal.
A yellow card seemed worth it as he put Messi on the deck. But a few seconds later, he was ruing the decision as the ball flew past Guzan and the forward wheeled away triumphantly.
Asked which team he would prefer in the final, Messi said that it was not important. “Whoever the opponent is, the truth is that it will be a difficult, equal and complicated game,” he said. “The good thing is that we have an opportunity to win a title for Argentina.”
The 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2015 Copa America finals went begging, with Messi’s side losing to Germany and Chile respectively, and La Roja will be the opposition once more on Sunday in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
In both previous finals, Messi was not at his best. It shouldn't be a pressure thing, because he has shone in major finals for Barcelona.
While there is probably more pressure playing for Argentina, it hasn't disrupted his game on other occasions. If he can perform at his best on Sunday, Messi can end his nation's 23-year major trophy drought.
Argentina's Lionel Messi (in blue) tries to score past USA's Geoff Cameron (L) and Fabian Johnson during their Copa America Centenario semifinal football match in Houston, Texas, United States, on June 21, 2016. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN (Photo cr
The last time they won anything of real note was in 1993, when they lifted the Copa America by beating Mexico, with Batistuta notching both goals in their 2-1 win.
Against Germany, Messi created some openings, but his team-mates—most notably Higuain—spurned them. The Barca star also had an effort that flew past the post in the Maracana, one of few opportunities in a gritty game.
Despite their eventual defeat, Messi was given the player of the tournament award, which many complained about. However, while James Rodriguez, who had an excellent World Cup campaign with Colombia, may have deserved it, the Argentinian had a good tournament by his standards, and a sublime one by anybody else's.
A year later, at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Messi struggled to pull Argentina towards victory against Copa America hosts Chile.
With Chile determined to win their first Copa America title, Messi was shackled by an aggressive and persistent La Roja. At some points, there were up to five men hounding him. One crunching Gary Medel challenge that landed on the 28-year-old's midriff lingers in the memory.
He failed to have a single shot in 90 minutes, despite arriving at the final having had more efforts at goal than any other player.
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (L) and defender Milton Casco take off the second place medal of the 2015 Copa America football championship, in Santiago, Chile, on July 4, 2015. Chile defeated Argentina 4-1 in the penalty shootout. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABR
Messi still created a good chance, releasing Lavezzi in the box, but the move came to nothing. He scored in the penalty shootout, but Higuain failed, as did Ever Banega, and Chile won.
Another chance has come along, not by luck, but by hard work. Messi has been sensational at this tournament after making his way back from injury.
In a pre-tournament friendly against Honduras, he took a knee to the back and was forced to sit out his country’s first game—a repeat of last year’s final—and this time Argentina won 2-1.
He returned against Panama as a substitute, scoring a brilliant 19-minute hat-trick and creating a goal for Sergio Aguero, driving Argentina from 1-0 up to 5-0 winners.
That was followed by an entertaining 45 minutes from the bench against Bolivia, in which he wowed the crowd with skills, including a nutmeg on the opposition goalkeeper, although he did not find the net himself.
He started his first game against Venezuela, a match in which he laid on two goals as well as scoring one, just as he did against the U.S. in the semi-final.
Argentina's Lionel Messi (L) is marked by Bolivia's Diego Bejarano during their Copa America Centenario football tournament match in Seattle, Washington, United States, on June 14, 2016. / AFP / Jason REDMOND (Photo credit should read JASON REDMOND
On Sunday, Chile will have to make their main job trying to stop Messi from damaging them. He is the biggest threat La Albiceleste have.
If they can muzzle Messi, the No. 10 will hope that the other attacking stars like Aguero, Higuain and Angel Di Maria, who was on the substitutes' bench after injury on Tuesday night, will be able to capitalise on the space left behind.
That did not happen in Rio de Janeiro or Santiago, but Gerardo Martino’s Argentina seem more prepared this year, more streetwise.
Even though Lavezzi and Augusto Fernandez were injured against the U.S., Argentina are still expected to win in New Jersey. If they do, there is little doubt over the identity of the man who will inspire that triumph.
