Messi quits international football, fans say don't go, on Twitter
Football fans around the world were shocked as Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest contemporay football player, sensationally announced retirement from international football on June 26. The announcement came as Argentina crashed to a defeat against Chile in the final of Copa America.
The five-time FIFA World Player of the Year was visibly devastated after missing a spot-kick as Chile emerged victorious in a penalty shoot-out.
Messi misses his penalty; announces retirement from international football. #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/iKayTHvjLr
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) June 27, 2016
"It's not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion," the 29-year-old said after the match.
Messi's dramatic announcement followed Argentina's third loss in a major final since 2014.
With Spanish club Barcelona, Messi has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. But his only major honour with Argentina is the 2008 Olympic gold.
Football fans across the globe are still in disbelief, shock and grief over Messi's decision to call it quits.
Here's how social media reacted:
All-time Argentina top scorer Leo Messi has retired from international football after the #CopaAmerica final. #UCL pic.twitter.com/k0KqhCtg2T
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 27, 2016
He has to come back, play the next World Cup, win it for Argentina. Like his free-kicks, there's a last twist left in the tale. #Messi
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) June 27, 2016
Messi is quitting coz he thinks he let his country down thrice..No, Messi!! You're letting your country down now by quitting & giving up!
— Supree (@LadyGooner8) June 27, 2016
I've watched almost every Messi game. Never seen him like this. We all love you ! pic.twitter.com/hjy5hBsYX7
— Barca Galaxy (@barcagalaxy) June 27, 2016
Son: look dad a shooting star Dad: no son that's Messi's penalty pic.twitter.com/TgXEED6CLC
— Angello Calderon?? (@WTF_Jello) June 27, 2016
Me when I heard Messi is retiring ... pic.twitter.com/kmLU1QGoas
— lindzz (@liindseeyw) June 27, 2016
Today's Ole keeps it simple after Messi hints strongly at retirement: 'Don't go'. pic.twitter.com/rOnfDrht34
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) June 27, 2016
Lionel Messi retires from international football without any major international title in his kitty#ITVideohttps://t.co/d834K1HnaB
— India Today (@IndiaToday) June 27, 2016
After providing joy to millions, shame that Messi's intl career ended in tears. Hopefully, won't be remembered for that missed penalty
— Mihir Vasavda (@mihirsv) June 27, 2016
Messi is just 29. Pain of defeat in 3 finals in 3yrs perhaps taking its toll. He was very emotional post match. pic.twitter.com/tumRFdGcEf
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) June 27, 2016
It's amazing. You can have everything and still find life holding something back. Kabhi kisiko mukammal jahan nahi milta! #Messi
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2016
Dear Messi,This is Shahid Afridi.He retires every year.Comes out of every retirement.Be like Shahid Afridi. pic.twitter.com/rQHOVeWZrD
— SHERLOCKED (@Legen_dary___) June 27, 2016
Why is Shahid Afridi trending? Is it his 17th birthday or something today?
— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) June 27, 2016
Good decision, Messi bhai. I will also retire when I turn 29. ~ Shahid Afridi
— Banaa de Chambal (@kamleshksingh) June 27, 2016
Lasting image of #CopaAmerica #Messihttps://t.co/eiKsP2T2R3
— Mihir Vasavda (@mihirsv) June 27, 2016
644 Games508 Goals261 Assists28 Trophies39 Hat-tricks5 Ballon d'Or4 million euro unpaid tax3 golden bootsThanks #Messi ❤????
— God Particle (@Gott_Partikel) June 27, 2016
It is indeed a huge blow to football. I hope he reconsiders his decision: Baichung Bhutia on #Messi pic.twitter.com/YuuZce65Qj
— ANI (@ANI_news) June 27, 2016
One of the greatest players ever, Leo #Messi retires from International duty. Football will never be the same!https://t.co/Jnd7UBBBBK
— Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) June 27, 2016
When I tweeted this two days ago I didn't mean #Messi https://t.co/s9robjSNPn
— ruchi kokcha (@ruchikokcha) June 27, 2016