Everything worthy is never easy. It was the final of the 2016 Copa America, which saw Argentine captain Lionel Messi give up his ambitions, saying, “For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can; it hurts not to be a champion.” But hardly could anyone imagine him winning every major trophy after it. According to a new revelation by his friend and former teammate Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi cried after missing the penalty in the 2016 Copa America final.

The Inter Maimi captain’s love for his country exceeds one’s imagination. The star refused to play for a star-studded Spain when offered informally. Explaining his reaction after the final, Aguero, in Apple’s latest documentary, Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend, said, “He would go to his room and lock himself up. While the rest of us were having dinner, he would keep suffering for Argentina.” The talisman later came to conquer it.

The former FC Barcelona star still had some positivity left and made a U-turn to don his national colors. Speaking later, Messi said, “I see there are many problems in Argentinian football, and I don’t intend to create another one,” understanding how crucial it was for him to continue. The player later played a pivotal role in helping them qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Earlier, Argentina had a tight contest against a formidable Chilean side in the 2016 final. It was the first shot of penalties that Messi went for and missed the target, even though the keeper did not go the right way. Argentina still had a chance despite missing the opportunity, as even Arturo Vidal had missed one earlier. However, it took a breathtaking save from Claudio Bravo to stop Lucas Biglia’s shot, rendering the Albiceleste helpless. Subsequently, it was patriotism that took priority over his feelings.

Love for Argentina brought Lionel Messi back from retirement

Lionel Messi later revealed, “Many things went through my head the day of the last final, and I seriously thought of leaving, but I love this country and this shirt too much.” The rest is history. Even though they could not win the 2018 World Cup, the qualifications established him as vital for their future.

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Earlier, Messi scored seven out of nineteen goals in 10 games for Argentina, along with a hat trick in the qualifying game against Ecuador. Subsequently, the player was Argentina’s top scorer in every major tournament they played, winning the Copa America and the World Cup consecutively. But the star is not giving up yet, as he aspires for another title starting this June.

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