Birthday boy Messi once retired, before rebounding to greatness

Argentine genius had quit international football 10 years back for two months

- BY JAYDIP SENGUPTA

“For me, the national team is over.”

Ten years ago, almost to this day, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at the age of 29 following La Albiceleste’s penalty shootout loss to Chile in the Copa America final, their fourth major finals loss after defeats in the 2007 Copa America, 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America.

“I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion. It’s been four finals, I tried,” Messi said, before adding: “It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone.

“I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it. It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.”

The return