Why Messi is right to retire from international football

In fact, after this latest defeat, Messi, while announcing his retirement, despondently told the press, "It's not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion."

The decision is the right one for Messi, because his relationship with the Argentinian team has always been a thankless one. Ever since Messi first left Argentina for Spain, at the age of 13, he has always been considered something of an outsider; not Argentinian enough for the majority of Argentinians. This is despite Messi choosing to represent his home country despite being eligible to represent the far more successful Spanish team.

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Messi often draws comparisons to Argentinian legend Maradonna, even from the man himself, but has never received the sort of adulation that Maradonna did. In fact, this comparison has seemingly made Argentinians even more inclined to dislike Messi. He's expected to win Argentina trophies like Maradonna did, and, when he doesn't, is pilloried for it.

Never mind that Maradonna played in an era that was far less tactically or physically competitive than the modern game. Or even the fact that Maradonna was playing in a far more cohesive, and, some would argue, better overall team than Messi, is immaterial. Messi has been the driving force behind an average team for over a decade now, carrying the burden that should be shouldered by 10 other players.

But more than that burden, which he has carried uncomplainingly for as long as he's played for the Albiceleste, he has also borne the flak that his team mates deserved far more than him. To say that he under performs in big games is daft, because it takes a team to win a tournament, not just one man. Pele didn't do it on his own, neither did Ronaldo or, indeed, Maradonna.

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And he shouldn't have to deal with any of the bitterness or criticism. Messi has already achieved legend status in the beautiful game. He is arguably the greatest player the world has ever seen. With the ball at his feet there is no sight in today's game that is more stunning. He will never be forgotten, but it wont be for his performances with Argentina, but the legacy he has built with Barcelona. A legacy that has won him a legion of fans, both Barcelona and otherwise.

While some would say he shouldn't retire from the national team and that the country must always come first, I say more power to him; the ingrates in Argentina do not deserve him.

Photos curated by Priyata Brajbasi