How Messi's decade of dominance almost never happened

Lionel Messi retired from international football on Monday as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. He captained them to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 and to Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024.

But the world was almost denied his most successful period in the famous blue and white shirt.

On Sunday, 26 June 2016, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Messi broke the hearts of a nation.

Just two days after his 29th birthday and soon after missing a penalty in Argentina's Copa America final loss to Chile in a shootout, Messi decided he had seen enough.

After 113 appearances, he was adamant. In his mind, he would never pull on an Argentina shirt again.

"For me, the national team is over. I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion," he said.

The pain was understandable. Argentina had lost in the 2014 World Cup final, plus Copa America finals in 2007, 2015 and now 2016. The player many classed as the world's greatest had failed when it mattered most for him.

"It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over," Messi said, fighting back tears after another trophy chance slipped away. "I think this is best for everyone."