‘If I have to help in some way I will’: Lionel Messi insists he will NOT retire from international football after Copa America heartbreak with Argentina
Lionel Messi insists he will not retire from international football after missing out on yet another trophy with Argentina.
The 32-year-old’s wait for silverware with his country goes on after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Argentina captain Messi will be 35 by the start of the 2022 World Cup, though Argentina will co-host next year’s Copa with Colombia.
Lionel Messi has hinted he will not retire from international football after defeat by Brazil
Gabriel Jesus (centre) and Roberto Firmino (left) both scored as Brazil beat Argentina 2-0
The forward, who quit the national side after the 2016 Copa America final loss only to return for the 2018 World Cup, suggested he was still committed to the Argentina cause.
‘Something new is on the horizon,’ he said on Tuesday night.
‘The truth is I have got on very well with this group of players and if I have to help in some way I will. This is a great group which is growing and if I can join them I will.’
‘Something new is on the horizon,’ he said after the defeat in the Copa America semi-finals
Both Messi and Sergio Aguero hit the woodwork in the 2-0 defeat as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino sealed Brazil’s spot in the final.
But following the final whistle, the Barcelona star said he hoped Argentina fans back home would recognise his side’s effort during the tournament.
‘I hope we are respected and not criticised. They should let the team be and let them grow,’ he said.
