Messi returns to the stage of defeat that caused his 'retirement' from the national team

If he wins for the second time in a row, the Albiceleste number 10 will join a select group that currently has just 17 players, who have lifted the World Cup twice in a row. Four are from Italy, which did the double in 1934 and 1938, and 13 from Brazil, two-time champion in 1958 and 1962.

The stadium that could see another feat accomplished by the Argentine star at 39 years of age, however, is the same one that, ten years ago, saw the star experience his lowest point throughout his now successful career wearing the blue and white shirt, when he announced his retirement from the national team.

On June 26, 2016, the team led at the time by coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino lost the final of the Copa América Centenário - in honor of the one hundred years of the first edition of the South American National Team Championship and Conmebol (South American Football Confederation).

After a goalless draw in regular time against the Chile of Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal, Argentina ended up being beaten 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Responsible for opening the shots, Messi sent the ball over the crossbar of the goal defended by Claudio Bravo.

The defeat represented the star's fourth runner-up with the national team, after defeats in the 2007 and 2015 Copa América finals, to Brazil and Chile, and in the 2014 World Cup, when the Argentines were beaten by Germany.

Visibly emotional, with his voice breaking and his eyes teary, Messi announced shortly after the match his decision to retire from the national team, at the age of just 29.

"It's a difficult moment to analyze. The first thing that comes to mind, and I was thinking about it in the locker room, is that it's over, it's over for me in the national team. I lost four finals... That's how I feel. It's a great sadness," said the player in an interview with journalists in the corridors of MetLife Stadium.

"Furthermore, I missed the penalty, which was crucial to make a difference, and I lost. I think it's for everyone's good. That's it, I tried really hard. I'm leaving without having won a title with the national team", added the number 10.

The announcement was followed by a massive popular campaign in Argentina involving fans, players and former players, as well as managers and politicians, all calling for his return.

Enzo Fernández, now his teammate and then still a young promise from the River Plate academy, published a letter in which he criticized the pressure on Messi and asked him to reconsider his decision.

Furthermore, coach Edgardo "Patón" Bauza, who had just taken over from Tata Martino, traveled to Barcelona to speak personally with the player.

The pressure had an effect and, around a month and a half after the announcement, Messi backtracked and reconsidered his position. In a press release, he stated that he already saw many problems in Argentine football and did not want to create another one with his decision.

"There are a lot of things that need to be fixed in our Argentine football, but I prefer to do it from within, and not criticizing from outside," he said. "I thank all those people who want me to continue playing with Argentina. I hope we can give them some joy soon."

The Albiceleste would suffer yet another defeat in the Copa América, this time in the semi-finals, in the 2019 edition, beaten by Tite's Brazil 2-0, goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino, at Mineirão.

In the decision for third place, at least they were able to take revenge against Chile, with a 2-1 victory, at the Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo, with goals from Agüero and Dybala. Vidal scored for the Chileans.

In the following edition of the Copa América, in 2021, again held in Brazil, Messi won his first title for Argentina, with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final, at Maracanã, with the only goal of the match scored by Ángel Di María.

In 2022, he led the team towards the third world championship in Qatar, when he scored in every phase of the tournament and ended a 36-year drought since the last title, in 1986.

Two years later, he would return to MetLife Stadium, again against Chile, this time in the group stage of the Copa América. Argentina won 1-0, with a goal from Lautaro Martínez, and would then move towards their third title in a row, with a victory over Colombia in the final, at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens.

TWO-CONSECUTIVE WORLD CHAMPIONS

Italy (1934 and 1938)- Eraldo Monzeglio- Giovanni Ferrari- Giuseppe Meazza- Guido MasettiBrazil (1958 and 1962)- Bellini- Castilho- Didi- Djalma Santos- Garrincha- Gilmar- Mauro- Nilton Santos- Pepe- Vavá- Zagallo- Zito- Zózimo

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