Lionel Messi, arguably the best soccer player in the world, announced he was quitting the Argentinian national team after their loss last Sunday June 26.
The Argentinian team was not able to come out with the win after making it all the way to penalties. Furthermore, Messi seemed deeply distraught with the fact that he was the first person to take his penalty and missed, thus potentially affecting the mindset for the rest of his team.
Although Messi has won numerous championships while playing with Barcelona, he has yet to win any with Argentina, after coming short in four final defeats: three in Copa America and one in the 2014 World Cup.
Shortly after this loss, Messi told reporters, "It's tough, it's not the time for analysis. In the dressing room, I thought that this is the end for me with the national team. It's not for me. That's the way I feel right now, it's a huge sadness once again, and I missed the penalty that was so important. I tried so hard to be a champion with Argentina. But it didn't happen. I couldn't do it. I think it's best for everyone, for me and for many people who want it. The choice for me is over, it's a decision. I tried many times [to be a champion] but did not."
Although Messi had previously received liberal amounts of scrutiny for his performances with the national team, there was overwhelming amounts of tears by fans and fellow soccer players alike after he announced his decision to leave.
Among the millions of photos, videos, and hashtags begging Lionel to stay, Maradona, the former captain of the Argentina national team when they won the Wold Cup in 1986, released a plea begging Messi to stay with Argentina. The President of Argentina also released a tweet, writing: "More than ever I feel a great pride in our national team. I hope the joy of seeing the best in the world will continue for many more years."
Messi has still not commented saying if he let his post-game emotions influence his decision, but the soccer world is patiently waiting, and hoping he will change his mind.
