Why Lionel Messi retired in 2016 and what made the Argentine star change his mind
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick as Argentina recorded a 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J.
The Inter Miami No.10 did not show any fatigue at the age of 38 when he tormented the Algerians, until he scored the fourth goal which was unfortunately considered offside.
Advertisement
Messi is now tied with the legendary Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals – and is just one goal away from becoming the World Cup’s top goalscorer.
However, none of this would have happened had the South American stuck to his decision to retire from international football in 2016 – a call he later returned due to his deep love for Argentina.
Lionel Messi changed his retirement in 2016 for the love of Argentina
The former Barcelona star announced his retirement from international football in June 2016 after missing a penalty in the final, as Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final that year.
Photo by Hector Vivas/LatinContent via Getty Images
It was the fourth final defeat in nine years for Messi and Argentina, and he had had enough. As quoted by BBC Sport, the South American player said at the time: “For me the national team is over, I did everything I could, it hurts not to be a champion.
Advertisement
“It was what I wanted the most, but I couldn’t find it, so I think it’s over.
“I think there are many people who want this and they are obviously not satisfied as we are not satisfied with reaching the final and not winning it. It is very difficult but the decision is made, now I will not try much and there will be no going back.
However, Messi – who could have been sent off against Algeria – finally returned to the Argentina team in August 2016, citing his love for his country as the main reason.
As quoted by the Guardian, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I see there are many problems in Argentine football and I don’t intend to create another one, I don’t want to cause damage, I always try to do the opposite, to help as much as I can.”
Advertisement
“We need to fix many things in Argentine football, but I prefer to do this from the inside and not criticize from the outside. Many things came to my head on the day of the finals and I thought about leaving, but this country I love this shirt very much. I thank all the people who wanted me to continue playing with Argentina, I hope we can give them something to be happy about soon.”
Messi – who can win the title Super The Ballon d’Or in 2029 – it ended up doing just that.
Five years after postponing his decision to retire, the Argentinian led his country to the 2021 Copa America, before claiming the ultimate prize in 2022 as Argentina won the World Cup.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Not only that, but Messi got another Copa America title in 2024.
Advertisement
Individually, the former PSG player can now boast an impressive record of 120 goals in his 200 appearances for Argentina.
However, everything could have been very different for Messi if he had stuck to his decision to retire from international football in 2016.
