Lionel Messi’s Argentina retirement, announced after the 2016 Copa América Centenario final, initially appeared to close an international career defined by extraordinary ability and repeated disappointment. Argentina had lost to Chile on penalties for the second consecutive year, and Messi had missed his attempt in the shootout. His declaration that the national team was
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Lionel Messi’s retirement from Argentina actually last?
Messi announced his international retirement on June 26, 2016, immediately after the Copa América Centenario final. He reversed the decision in August, roughly six weeks later. His first match after returning came against Uruguay in September 2016, when he scored the winning goal in a World Cup qualifier.
Why did the 2016 defeat affect Messi more than Argentina’s previous final losses?
The loss completed a painful sequence of three consecutive major final defeats: the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América tournaments. Messi also missed Argentina’s first penalty in the 2016 shootout, intensifying his sense of personal responsibility despite having been central to the team’s progress.
Was Messi’s retirement announcement considered a negotiating tactic?
There is no definitive evidence that Messi announced retirement merely to pressure Argentina’s football authorities. His immediate comments reflected genuine frustration and emotional exhaustion. However, the decision occurred amid institutional turmoil within the Argentine Football Association, so it also exposed broader problems involving management, preparation and the treatment of national-team players.
What persuaded Messi to return to the Argentina national team?
Messi said his love for Argentina and his desire to help solve the national team’s problems motivated his return. Public appeals also played a role: supporters, teammates, officials and even Argentina’s president urged him to reconsider. Newly appointed coach Edgardo Bauza travelled to Barcelona and spoke with Messi before the comeback was confirmed.
Did Messi’s return immediately end Argentina’s trophy drought?
No. Argentina struggled during qualification for the 2018 World Cup and were eliminated by France in the round of 16. The breakthrough came years later, with the 2021 Copa América. Argentina then won the 2022 Finalissima and World Cup, transforming the meaning of Messi’s return and his international legacy.