Lionel Messi's 2016 Retirement Reversal and Decade of Success
· Sports · BBC Sport
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on June 26, 2016, following Argentina's penalty shootout loss to Chile in the Copa America final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The decision came after a series of high-profile defeats, including the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa America losses in 2015 and 2016. Messi reversed his retirement decision just six weeks later, citing his love for his country as the primary motivation for his return. Since that reversal, he has made 94 additional appearances for Argentina, scored 70 goals, and secured four major international trophies, including the 2022 World Cup. His career with the national team concluded with him as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
Why it matters
Messi's reversal of his 2016 retirement enabled Argentina to win three major international titles, fundamentally altering his legacy and the trajectory of Argentine football history.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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