Buenos Aires (AFP) - Argentina is gripped by a debate over superstar
Lionel Messi, who was devastated by losing the Copa America final and has withdrawn into a shocked isolation.
Some obervers in his home country say criticism fired at Messi could force him to take a break from national duty.
The
28-year-old football genius left the pitch ashen-faced after Argentina
lost the Copa America to Chile in a 4-1 penalty shootout in Santiago on
Saturday.
The scenes were
reminiscent of last year's World Cup final when Germany beat Argentina
in extra time. Then 'Leo' left in tears. Messi first tasted a major
defeat in 2007 when Argentina lost 3-0 to old rivals Brazil in the Copa
final.
Messi finally posted a statement on his facebook account late Monday.
"There's nothing more painful in football than losing a final," he said.
"But
I don't want to leave it any longer to say thank you to everyone who
has always supported us and continued to during the tough moments."
Despite his huge success with
Barcelona, Messi is now going through tough moments as is a country which has not won a major title for 22 years.
Spanish
media reports said Messi turned down the player of the tournament
trophy. The trophy was withdrawn before the presentation ceremony in
Santiago.
- A break from the blues -
Messi
and the other Argentine stars were criticised by the country's media
for their performance. Members of his family were also abused by Chilean
fans at the match, according to Argentinian media.
Some observers have warned that Messi could walk away from the national side.
"Desolate
after another lost final, and especially by the tough criticism, Messi
could take a break from the national team," the Ole sports daily
reported Tuesday.
Television
talk shows are now dominated by what is wrong with Messi and the
national football team. Why does he not dazzle for Argentina like he
does for Barcelona.
"One day
this boy is going to get tired and will not want to come to play for the
team," former Argentine international Matias Almeyda, now coach of the
Banfield club, told Fox Sports television.
"He was criticised for not signing the national anthem. He is always being criticised for something," Almeyda added.
"He's the best player in the world and he is not treated in the way he deserves."
Argentina
Football Association president Luis Segura has been shocked by the
suggestions. If Messi left, Argentina could lose out on key earnings
from friendly internationals in which he is often under contract to
play.
"I don't understand the people who criticise him," Segura said.
"Messi suffers as much as the supporters from not winning a title."
Messi
had a brilliant season with the all-conquering Barcelona but Almeyda
said "it is very difficult (for Argentine players) to repeat for the
national team what they do for their clubs."
Messi has already
scored more goals for Argentina than the country's beloved Diego
Maradona. But he has never won a World Cup like Maradona did in 1986.
His next chance could come in Russia in 2018. Messi will be 31 then and that could be his last chance too.
After
the Santiago final, Messi took refuge at his home city of Rosario, 300
kilometers (180 miles) from Buenos Aires, as he traditionally does
during Spain's break from football.
Around him, the criticism goes on against the team and its coach Gerardo Martinez.
Some
top footballers have Tweeted their support for Messi. Some Argentines
are however using social media however to say that "Maradona = Messi and
Javier Mascherano."
