While Lionel Messi said he believes his time with the Argentina national team is done, one of his teammates believes the Barcelona star will reconsider.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero wasn't able to keep Chile from again beating Argentina in a penalty shootout, as La Roja had in the 2015 Copa America. After tasting defeat in this year's Copa America Centenario, Messi told reporters "The national team is over for me."
"I think he spoke while he was heated, because a beautiful opportunity escaped us," Romero said. "I can't imagine a national team without Messi. I think he'll reflect (on the decision)."
But while Romero believed that taking time to think things through will result in the team staying together, Manchester City attacker Sergio Aguero told reporters he and several others are also weighing up international retirement after the painful defeat. Aguero and Messi were roommates on this trip through the United States and both suffered through not only the Copa America final losses but also Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup.
"There are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team," Aguero said. "This is the worst locker room I've ever been in, worse than the final in the World Cup in Brazil and the other Copa America."
In addition to Messi's comments and Aguero's evaluation, media reports in South America have linked Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di María with potential international retirement. Argentina's next matches come in World Cup qualification with a Sept. 1 home context against Uruguay before a trip to Venezuela.
- Goal