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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi aren't used to finishing second and it was well reflected when the latter decided to retire from international football after Argentina's bitter loss to Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario in 2016. With the score being 0-0 in regulation and extra time, Chile won 4-2 on penalties, with Messi missing his spot-kick.
Ronaldo joined the cohort of players who spoke out and encouraged Messi to not take the drastic step of retiring from international football. In a statement reported by the Argentine press, the Portuguese superstar explained why the Barcelona legend shouldn't retire from international football. Moreover, he argued that a missed penalty doesn't make one a 'bad player'.
"Messi has made a tough decision and people must understand it. He is not used to defeats and disappointments, not even to finishing second. Missing a penalty does not make you a bad player. It hurts me to see Messi in tears and I hope he returns to his national team, because he needs it," explained Cristiano Ronaldo (via Mundo Deportivo).
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Lionel Messi was also spotted crying incessantly after the Copa America Centenario final where he missed his shootout penalty. The 37-year-old stepped up to take the first penalty for La Albiceleste. However, his shot was misdirected and went above the goal.
Just a month later, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal won Euro 2016 by beating France in the final. Although the former Real Madrid superstar couldn't play most of the game because of a leg injury, Eder scored the game's only goal in extra time.
Lionel Messi reversed his international retirement decision after Cristiano Ronaldo and other greats implored him to reconsider
After the shock decision to retire from international football in June 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo and several other players and fans supported Lionel Messi and implored him to reconsider his retirement decision. Just a month later, it was revealed that the Argentine maestro had listened to those pleas.
In a statement released by the Argentine Football Federation (AFF), Messi commented on his decision and spoke about the problems surrounding the AFF. However, he chose not to 'criticize' and help the committee in their time of crisis.
"There are a lot of issues that need to be resolved in Argentine football, but I prefer to help from within and not criticize from the outside. "I don't want to cause any harm, I've always tried to do the exact opposite and help out in whatever way possible," explained Lionel Messi (via India Today).
He went on to explain his mental condition after the loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final but commented that his love for Argentina and the badge was too great for him to quit so early.
In a statement released by his managers, he said:
"A lot of things went through my mind on the night of the final and I gave serious thought to quitting, but my love for my country and this shirt is too great."
Thereafter, Lionel Messi thanked the fans and expressed that he wanted to continue playing football for La Albiceleste.
"I hope that we'll be able to give them something to cheer about soon," concluded Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi went on to win the Copa America 2021 and the 2022 World Cup and establish Argentina as one of the major powerhouses in world football.
