Dazzling for Barcelona, struggling for Argentina: Concerns grow over Lionel Messi’s international future

Lionel Messi looks forlorn after Argentina lose the 2015 Copa America final to Chile on penalties. Juan Mabromata / AFP / July 4, 2015

Argentina is gripped by a debate over star player Lionel Messi, who was devastated by losing the Copa America final and has withdrawn into a shocked isolation.

Some observers in his home country say criticism fired at Messi could force him to take a break from national duty.

The 28-year-old left the pitch ashen-faced after Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile in a 4-1 penalty shootout in Santiago on Saturday.

The scenes were reminiscent of last year’s World Cup final when Germany beat Argentina in extra time. Then ‘Leo’ left in tears. Messi first tasted a major defeat in 2007 when Argentina lost 3-0 to old rivals Brazil in the Copa final.

Messi finally posted a statement on his Facebook account late Monday.

“There’s nothing more painful in football than losing a final,” he said.

“But I don’t want to leave it any longer to say thank you to everyone who has always supported us and continued to during the tough moments.”

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Despite his huge success with Barcelona, Messi is now through tough moments with Argentina, who have not won a major title for 22 years.

Spanish media reports said Messi turned down the player of the tournament trophy. The trophy was withdrawn before the presentation ceremony in Santiago.

Messi and the other Argentine players were criticised by the country’s media for their performance. Members of his family were also abused by Chilean fans at the match, according to Argentinian media.

Some observers have warned that Messi could walk away from the national side.

"Desolate after another lost final, and especially by the tough criticism, Messi could take a break from the national team," the Ole sports daily reported Tuesday.

Television talk shows are now dominated by what is wrong with Messi and the national football team. Why does he not dazzle for Argentina like he does for Barcelona.

“One day this boy is going to get tired and will not want to come to play for the team,” former Argentine international Matias Almeyda, now coach of the Banfield club, told Fox Sports television.

“He was criticised for not signing the national anthem. He is always being criticised for something.

“He’s the best player in the world and he is not treated in the way he deserves.”

Argentina Football Association president Luis Segura has been shocked by the suggestions. If Messi left, Argentina could lose out on key earnings from friendly internationals in which he is often under contract to play.

“I don’t understand the people who criticise him,” Segura said.

“Messi suffers as much as the supporters from not winning a title.”

Messi had a brilliant season with the all-conquering Barcelona but Almeyda said “it is very difficult (for Argentine players) to repeat for the national team what they do for their clubs.”

Messi has already scored more goals for Argentina than the country’s beloved Diego Maradona. But he has never won a World Cup like Maradona did in 1986.

His next chance could come in Russia in 2018. Messi will be 31 then and that could be his last chance too.

After the Santiago final, Messi took refuge at his home city of Rosario, 300 kilometres (180 miles) from Buenos Aires, as he traditionally does during Spain’s break from football.

Around him, the criticism goes on against the team and its coach Gerardo Martinez.

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