Copa America: Lionel Messi's horrific spell with Argentina continues
One of the GOATs of football, Lionel Messi has continued to make a big leap every season with Barcelona, but his agony with the national side is pretty alarming. The superstar once again failed to deliver for Argentina as they bowed out against Brazil in the Copa America 2019 semis. Here we relive the major moments of Messi's career with Argentina.
Messi not sharp enough in Copa America 2019
Argentina fell to arch-rivals Brazil in the semi-final. The agony continued for Messi, who had a poor Copa campaign. He scored just one goal in the entire tourney which was a penalty. Also, the team didn't play as expected and there is a serious need to revamp the squad. Against Brazil, Messi did create four chances, but things didn't go as planned.
Messi couldn't quite fire in the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Messi has gone nine senior international tournaments without lifting a trophy. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Argentina were knocked out by eventual winners France. Messi scored just once from 17 attempts in the tournament in Russia. Interestingly, he had just six shots on target. The Barcelona superstar made two assists for Argentina, as they performed way below their capability.
Messi won the Golden Ball in 2014
Messi came close to lift his major trophy with Argentina in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He led his side to the final, but Germany ended up as the champions. Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for a terrific tournament. He scored four goals and made an assist for the South American side.
2015 and 2016 Copa saw Messi's Argentina lose in finals
In 2016, Messi failed to score in a penalty shoot-out in the finale against Chile. Argentina lost 2-4 on penalties to see Chile lift the Copa America title. He scored five tournament goals though. Earlier in 2015, Argentina had also lost in the final against Chile. Messi scored just one goal. In 2011, he didn't score a single goal. Argentina lost in the quarters.
Argentina were beaten in quarters during 2006, 2010 World Cups
In 2010 World Cup, Argentina lost in the quarter-finals after being battered by Germany (4-0). In five games, Messi didn't score even once and provided one assist. Messi, who made his debut for Argentina as a teenager in 2005, made his World Cup debut the following year. He scored one goal and made an assist, as Argentina bowed out in the quarters against Germany.
2020 Copa could be Messi's last shot with Argentina
Messi's journey in the Copa has been an unfortunate one. He will now turn his attention to next year's event. Can Messi and Argentina win something together? 2020 Copa looks like Messi's last shot with the Argentine team. Messi's only success with Argentina was the 2008 Olympics gold medal. He has scored 68 goals in 135 matches for Argentina in total.
Something new is on the horizon, says Messi
Messi, who had earlier quit international football in 2016, made a return for the 2018 World Cup. After the loss against Brazil, he said, "Something new is on the horizon. I hope we are respected and not criticized. They should let the team be."
