Lionel Andrés Messi is a legend when it comes to the game of soccer.

Touted as one of the game’s greatest, and not just in this generation, but greatest ever. His career has been quite prolific and watching his play is an absolute treat to the eyes. He has won more than just a handful of trophies during his time at FC Barcelona, but the same can’t be said for his time with the Argentinian national team.

As of today, Messi is no longer going to represent his national team. He decided to throw in his hat after the national team lost for the second consecutive year to Chile in the Copa America final. This defeat to Chile was also his third consecutive final’s loss with the national team.

When he burst onto the scene, he was hailed as the country’s next Diego Maradona, and viewed as his rightful successor. He was destined for great things from the very beginning. While he has achieved great feats with his professional club, the same can’t be said for his national career. Despite not collecting any trophies with Argentina, he has gone on to become their all-time leading goal scorer with 55 goals in 113 appearances. While he may not have won a world cup like Maradona, but he is the player every promising youngster is compared to. Oh, how the times have changed.

A lot of people are now questioning Messi’s patriotism, and think he decided to call it quits because it got tough. If that really was the reason, can you blame him? For years now, he has carried both club and country. Despite being in teams with other outstanding players, he is still the one who carries all the weight. After having failed thrice in a row, it is no surprise that he was devastated, and it showed on his face once they lost the final. For whatever reason he has decided to call it a day, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest.

It is a shame that while he’s won almost every individual and club accolade, his trophy cabinet will not be home to any international ones. Despite being a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, it’s a shame to see Messi retire from the international stage. However, maybe he’ll change his mind and we’ll see him dazzle once again with the national team in Russia, 2018. One can always dream!