Lionel Messi’s past and present Barcelona teammates have leapt to his defense following the Argentine’s shocking decision to retire from international football following Argentina’s defeat at the hand’s of Chile in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final.
Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are each considered close friends of Messi, and they’ve all played together at Barcelona. However, these are all international opponents of Messi who’ve been quoted expressing the one great fear of footballing fans across the planet: what a genuine loss, bordering on tragedy, the absence of Messi in international football would be.
Each player agrees that the 29-year-old Messi still has a lot to offer, including a chance at a world championship at the 2018 World Cup.
Suarez, Pique and Alves have each offered their support to Messi. Photo: @amarcha007 | Twitter
“Knowing Leo, for sure he will have said something in a moment of sadness and powerlessness,” said Suarez. “It would be a pity for football if he took this decision, but I am sure he will think about it again and change his mind. It is a difficult moment. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions. Whatever they say, he will be the best player in the history of football.”
Suarez has experienced his own fair share of disappointment and personal criticism while playing with Uruguay.
Alves offered his support while being officially unveiled as a Juventus player in Turin, Italy, on Tuesday.
“I would ask Messi to think over the decision and return, because he’s very important for football, for his club and teammates, and for all the people who love and breathe football and cannot imagine losing such a great player,” said Alves.
Pique, fresh off his own international disappointment with Spain at the Euros, also took time to address Messi’s decision:
“I’m sure it was a big blow, but I know how competitive he is and I know he will pick himself up from this, as many others have done before.”
With support coming from all corners of the globe, as well as strong support back home in Argentina, we can remain hopeful that we haven't seen the last of Messi with Argentina.
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