Messi once quit the Argentina national team. What happened then?

Kapil334

Who would have thought? Despite Messi finally bringing the World Cup back to Argentina after the Maradona era, there was a time when the team mistreated him, leading to his temporary exit in 2016. Criticized after losing the Copa America final, Messi felt unprotected by the national team. Argentina legend Kempes recently spoke about this, stating Messi was unhappy during his time with the national team.

The incident of Messi quitting the national team occurred in 2016 during the Copa America final, where Messi missed a crucial penalty, resulting in Argentina's loss. After this match and two previous final defeats, Argentine fans began harshly criticizing Messi, claiming Argentina would never win a championship with him. Under immense public pressure, Messi announced his temporary departure from the national team.

As we now know, Messi later decided to return to the national team, leading Argentina to win the coveted World Cup in 2022. Kempes emphasized that Messi had given his all for Argentina, but the national team failed to protect him from external criticism, causing Messi considerable pain. Kempes noted that Messi was happier at Barcelona during that time. While Messi has achieved success, Kempes also warned that there are issues within the Argentina national team. The current dissatisfaction has shifted from Messi to the current coach, Scaloni, who is also considering leaving the national team. Kempes suggested that Argentina's internal problems remain undisclosed.

Ritu13

It appears that Messi was initially criticized by fans and driven out of the national team.

Yamini003

The environment indeed influences people, reflecting the intricate interpersonal relationships and pressures in the football world. It also underscores the psychological well-being of players and the need for effective team management.

Kahn332

Kempes's remarks underscore the possibility of Messi facing unfair treatment during his time in the national team, leading to his decision to exit. It reveals the pressures and challenges players in football endure, shedding light on the hardships that may be concealed behind success.

Jatin255

Indeed, looking back on those years, Messi actually didn't want to leave the national team at that time. It was more a result of various public opinions and his desire to have more influence. In retrospect, it was just a tug-of-war between Messi, the fans, and the football association.

Jiger955

It turns out there was such a story. Although I don't particularly like Messi, I do feel some sympathy for his situation.

Ritu77

Haha, it's not only PSG fans who have criticized Messi; Argentine fans have also criticized him, and even more harshly than PSG fans. When Messi was at Barcelona, he was formidable and seemed invincible. However, upon returning to the Argentine national team, his performance declined, disappointing even the fans. During every major tournament, fans would criticize Messi. So, don't talk about PSG disrespecting Messi. If you can't contribute to the team, even your own country's fans will harshly criticize you. Before Messi won the World Cup in 2022, Diego Maradona was the only true football king in the eyes of Argentine fans. Maradona single-handedly brought the World Cup to Argentina, bringing joy to the fans. Up until 2022, Messi had only brought pain to Argentine fans during major tournaments, appearing lost and not putting in the effort. Thankfully, in the 2022 World Cup, FIFA seemed determined to create a football king, securing Argentina's victory. This also coincidentally placed Messi on the throne, and some Argentine fans began to cheer for him. However, in the eyes of the majority of Argentine fans, Maradona remains the true football king. This is because Maradona faced failure with tenacity, bursting forth with more energy to lead the team to success, unlike Messi, who sometimes appeared as a coward contemplating leaving the national team.

977Iti

I believe Messi has a deep love for Argentina, and his decision to step back was likely to appease everyone's anger. It is precisely because of this profound love that he didn't want to witness the disappointment of the fans.