'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Lionel Messi's Burofax saga
Lionel Messi sent shockwaves around the world when he publicly declared his intention to leave Barcelona following the club's humiliating defeat against Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League.
Trending
The 33-year-old cited several reasons for this groundbreaking decision and stated that he was entitled to a free transfer owing to a clause in his contract. Barcelona, however, insisted that the date for the clause's validity had passed and any move would only be sanctioned if the full value of his release clause was paid.
Lionel Messi ultimately rescinded his decision to avoid a protracted court dispute, but this was undoubtedly a black spot on his immaculate Barcelona career.
In hindsight, there was no way the Blaugrana were going to allow their most prized asset to leave for free. Lionel Messi faced accusation from many quarters for wanting to abandon ship when the going got tough.
While Lionel Messi's commitment might not be in question, the entire Burofax saga was an avoidable one that put a dent in his image.
#2 Failure to end Argentina's three-decade trophy drought
Argentina are one of the most traditional sides on the international scene and have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game.
However, the South American giants have not lifted a major international trophy since their 1993 Copa America triumph.
This is an extremely long drought for one of the best teams in the world. That is more scandalous when you consider the calibre of players that have represented Argentina in this period.
The rise to prominence of Lionel Messi saw many identify him as the natural heir to Diego Maradona. Many opined that the Barcelona man would bring back the glory days to the football-obsessed nation. However, that has not happened, as several near-misses have been interspersed with truly disastrous outings at international competitions.
The fact that Argentina's trophy drought is still on despite having the services of Lionel Messi is hardly fathomable. The Rosario native will certainly look to get his hands on a major international trophy before he retires.
#1 Three international final defeats in three years
Argentina had three golden opportunities to end their trophy drought when they progressed to the final of three tournaments in as many years.
Germany denied them in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, while Chile proved to be the final hurdle in consecutive Copa America final reverses for Lionel Messi's Argentina.
Each of those three games needed extra-time to decide the winner, with both Chile games going on to penalty shootouts. A single goal by Lionel Messi in either game would have seen Argentina end their trophy drought.
The 2016 final against Chile saw the Argentina captain miss in the shootout, following which he announced his retirement from international football.
Although he eventually returned to the national fold, a three-peat of international final defeats serves as arguably the lowest point of Lionel Messi's illustrious career.
