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Former Argentina and Barcelona strength coach Elvio Paolorosso once revealed Lionel Messi's condition after La Albiceleste endured a heartbreaking defeat. After losing the World Cup 2014 final to Germany and the Copa America 2015 final to Chile, Argentina were bested by Alexis Sanchez's side once again in the Copa America Centenario 2016 final on penalties.
After the match ended in a goalless draw by the end of regulation and extra time, the final headed to a penalty shootout. In a horror moment for Argentina fans, Messi missed the first penalty against Chile's Claudio Bravo, firing his shot high above the crossbar. Argentina went on to lose the shootout 4-2.
Paolorosso claimed that Messi was crying uncontrollably after the match following a third successive finals defeat for the national side. He told Joga Bonito in 2018:
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“The scene in the dressing room after that Copa America was very painful, but the worst came afterward. Around two in the morning, more or less, I found Leo in front of his locker alone, completely alone, crying like a baby who had lost his mother."
Paolorosso went on to rave about Messi's fitness, work ethic, and desire to help his teammates.
“I worked with Messi in Barcelona and in Argentina and I only have words of thanks and praise. He always worked really well with us, he would even notice whether the pitch was wet or dry."
Lionel Messi announced his international retirement following the 2016 final. However, he would reverse his decision due to pleas from millions of fans in Argentina and around the world.
Lionel Messi and Argentina have tasted great success
since Copa America 2016 loss
Lionel Messi's Argentina are currently ranked No. 1 in the world in the FIFA World Rankings and have been that way since last April. After the 2016 defeat against Chile and the retirement fiasco, Messi and company seemed to have found their mojo again.
Although the ensuing World Cup in 2018 was a disappointment, Argentina broke their trophyless run of 28 years after defeating Neymar's Brazil in the Copa America 2021 finals courtesy of an Angel Di Maria goal. Lionel Messi put in an inspired performance in that edition of Copa America, finishing with the most goals and assists.
La Albiceleste would go on to make history again by winning the 2022 World Cup after defeating Kylian Mbappe's France in one of the best finals in the history of the tournament.
Lionel Messi's Argentina are now seeking the coveted international treble (i.e., winning three consecutive major international trophies) by winning the ongoing Copa America 2024.
