Lionel Messi after winning the La liga 2015-16 and copa del rey, marched to the USA along with his Argentinian teammates with pure determination to wave Argentina's flag high in the sky. He was suffering from a back injury which initiates the doubt whether he will be able to play or not but still he participates in practice matches.. Okayy!! not gonna bore you with pre-tournament talking shits.. Straight to the business...
Match 1: Argentina vs Chile
The first group stage was against Chile, the team who beats Argentina in last year Copa America final and left Messi with another losing scar as he lost two major finals in as many years.. Messi was on the bench. He wasn't fit even to make it to the Subs. Argentina won 2-1 thanks to Angel di maria who scored a goal and assist another. Even when Messi was in the dugout, constant chanting of MESSI..!!! MESSI..!! MESSI.!! can be heard rhythmically all over the stadium..
Match 2: Argentina vs Panama
Argentina came into their second match with drawn motivation from their previous match. They look confident, determined, focused and crowd looks dejected once again as they realise Messi isn't going to start in this match too. First half commences. Argentina strikes in the 7th minute when Otamendi puts his free kick into the back of the net. Match was going very smoothly.. In 32nd minute, Anibal Godoy, A Panamanian defender gets a red card for challenging Higuain.. All this time Messi was sitting quietly in the dugout and whenever cameraman focuses on to him and broadcasted over big screen, the whole crowd goes haywire. MESSI..!! MESSI..!! MESSI..!! goes louder with each passing minute.. First half ended with score 1-0. Argentina were winning but not completely dointing.
As the 2nd half started whole eyes were on Messi if he substituted in 2nd half or not but to everyone's surprise he was again n the bench. It was 5th minute on the clock when Messi was seen practicing on the sideline and everyone was seen counting down the time.
62 minute:
Lionel Messi- in
Augusto fernandez- out
Crowd- goes wild
Minute 67:
Messi already started imprinting his presence on the game. The ball was in Panama's penalty area. Defender's somehow controls the ball and trying to clear the area, but unfortunately, for panama, ball hits Higuain right on the face and drops just at Messi's feet. Two touches and ball was into the net. Soldier field was brought to their feet.. Stadium looks lively again. Crowd applauded their hero, Lionel messi.. argentina were up 2-0 and 20 minutes of match was still left to go.
Messi already started imprinting his presence on the game. The ball was in Panama's penalty area. Defender's somehow controls the ball and trying to clear the area, but unfortunately, for panama, ball hits Higuain right on the face and drops just at Messi's feet. Two touches and ball was into the net. Soldier field was brought to their feet.. Stadium looks lively again. Crowd applauded their hero, Lionel messi.. argentina were up 2-0 and 20 minutes of match was still left to go.
Minute 78:
Messi dominates the game. Its like raw pure energy instills into Albiceleste. They were moving forward. Every time when Argentina has possession it became a threat to opposition.. Messi passed the ball to Higuain. Higuain to Messi. There comes a tackle and Messi hits the ground. free kick awarded to Messi, Shoots and goaaalll... !!! That's something you just can't describe.. that sublime shot into the near top corner.. It's two for Messi in just 16 minutes of his arrival.. Argentina 3-0..
Minute 87:
Copa america is up and running for Messi, for Argentina. What seems like a difficult task before 62nd minute is now looking like a child's play.. Panamanian defender were passing the balls. But as they say with demoralization comes bad luck, one of Panamanian defender slips while doing one-two one-two passes and Marcos rojo were always look like someone who grabs the opportunity with both hands, sends a controlled pass to Lionel messi who stops it with his left leg dodge two players and shoots.. into the net.. Crowd can't believe what they are watching. just 25 minutes on the pitch.. in the cop america centenario 2016 and he scored a hat-trick.. Unbelievable stuff... Messi came when he scored 50 goals for his country. four less than equalising the legendary Gabriel batistuta record of most no of goals for Argentina.. Now he is just one goal away to equaliser... Everyone was stunned.. Day before Panamanian coach quotes;"You can't do anything if Lionel messi is in the zone". Well he was in the zone.. Argentina 4-0.
minute 90:
When it looks that's all for today, Messi again brought the soldier field to their feet by providing a damn near accurate long pass to Marcos rojo who passed it to Aguero.. Argentina 5-0..
sofa score rates Messi's performance 9.1 out of 10 which he gained in just half an hour on the pitch.. Isn't that legendary stuff..??
Match 3: Argentina vs Bolivia
Argentina stormed into the quarter final with two consecutive wins in group stage. Lionel Messi is again on the bench. This time, the Argentinian proves the rumours that Messi isn't the lone warrior in the team.. Before half time Argentina were up 3-0. Thanks to Erik Lamela's brilliant free kick goal (13'), Lavezzi (16') and Cuesta (32'). Argentina had 85.2% possession and had 333 completed passes against Bolivia who had completed only 36 passes till half time.. First half ended.. Scoreline read 3-0..
2nd half started with Messi substituted along with Lucas Bigila on the pitch. Messi took the free kick in 50th minute but it was easily dealt with by the defenders.. Again in 60th minute he got the chance to score his elusive goal but again it went into the crowd just inches wide from the goal post.. But it was close.. Messi wasn't able to score but was always a threat to the Bolivians. he glides through them like they haven't existed. In 77th minute he did show his class by nutmegging the goalkeeper but unfortunately it was offside... Messi couldn't able to score and match ended 3-0.. They are in the quarter final against venezuela.
Match 4: Venezuela (quarterfinal)
This is lionel messi's first start in the tournament and there are huge cheers from the crowd to welcome their most loved footballer as Argentine maestro gets on the ball.. Just two minutes on the clock and Messi dribbles past 4 defenders but ball goes straight to the keeper. 2 minutes later dances past many defenders into the penalty area but again misses.. Boy!! We aren't used to that much of excitement to handle in just 4 minutes.. Leo messi makes his presence known in just 4 minutes..!!
Minute 8:
Messi had the ball in the right flank, with opponents around him.. He looked for a while and when time seems right to him, crossed an air through ball to Higuain who just kept it past the goalkeeper.. A sublime pass from Leo messi and a sublime shot by Huguain puts Argentina in front inside 8 minutes.. That's Argentina for you.. That's Messi for you.. Messi's first assist in the tournament..
Messi and company storms into the Venezuelan defence with great ease but fails many time to convert the chance into goal.. Messi was awarded a free kick after Ever banega brought down by Venezuelan player.. But this time his curling effort comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.. In 29th minute venezuelan player gave , very much like, gift wrapped ball to score to Higuain which he receives faithfully and Argentina were up 2-0. Venezuelan player back pass the ball which misses the defender and easily grabbed by Higuain who rounded off the goalkeeper and slides the ball swiftly into the net... very immature by Venezuela..
First half ended with 2-0. Messi was clinical. He was even denied from a penalty which looks like a pure tackle to him inside the penalty area.
Second half starts with a near perfect start for Argentina as Messi sends a sublime through ball to Gaitin who tried to back pass to Higuain and eventually missed..
Minute 60:
A miss time pass among Venezuelan player cost them when Gaitin stole the ball and passed it to Higuain. Higuain to Messi.. Messi runs towards goal for a while and fed the ball to Gaitin again who brilliantly passed the ball to Messi.. Messi controls it two touches and between the goalkeeper's leg into the net.. He is now joined top scorer for Argentina. argentina 3-0
Minute 71:
Messi was sure the best player of the match.. or being precise, of the tournament.. and Argentina the best team.. Venezuelan comes a bit stronger after down 3-0 and in 70th minute a fine header by Rondon makes it 3-1 but Messi had other plan in his mind and within a minute of venezuelan happiness Messi collects the ball passed by Aguero from the left flank and gently sends it to Lamela who puts it behind the goalkeeper. Argentina 4-1. Messi 4 goals and 2 assists..
Match ended 4-1 and Argentina were in the Semi Final. They look unstoppable scored a total of 14 goals in 4 matches so far. Meanwhile USA beat Ecuador 2-1 to set date with Argentina in the semifinal.
Match 5: USA (Semifinal)
Argentina came on the pitch as the favourite and they proved this right inside three minutes..
minute 3:
game just started and Argentina already started pressing high on USA. Lavezzi controls the ball for a while and passed it to Messi who lop crossed the ball again to Lavezzi's path who puts the ball behind the bars by a gentle header.. Argentina were up 1-0 in just three minutes.. It seems like They are sure to get their seat booked for the final which Messi proved right in 32nd minute..
minute 32:
Wondolowski booked a yellow card for a tackle on Lionel messi. It was 30 yards from the goal. Very promising position for the Argentine. Messi ties his shoes and stands to took a peek.. The whole crowd chants MESSI MESSI MESSI.. He looked,, concentrates and shoot.. Ohh myy goddd..!!! That's perfection..!!! Pure football..!! The ball went into the top right corner.. Guzan jumps, stretched himself as far as he could but it was Messi's ball... With this goal Lionel messi became Argentina all time highest goal scorer. 55 goals.. Argentina was just 60 minutes away from official announcement that they are in the final..That goal become one of the best goal of his goal abundant career..
Till half time Messi and company bullies USA (not literally) and the score was 2-0..
Second half started and within 5 minutes Higuain makes it 3-0. thanks to a wonder pass from Lavezzi who found Higuain perfectly.. Higuain shoots but bounces back to him again after hitting the keeper. He then rounded him of and ended it into the open net.. Argentina now in total control.. They wanted time to pass quickly so they can celebrate.. USA wanted time to pass quickly so they can forget..
Long story short.. In the 86th minute a mis timed pass among USA defenders eventually found Messi who runs towards the open goal but selflessly passed it to the Higuain who he thought is in much better position than him. higuain gently puts it into the net.. Argentina 4-0.. Second consecutive final in copa america and three consecutive final considering all major tournaments.. After the match US coach states," What they are playing, is just top class"..
Messi was again the pearl, scoring a brilliant free kick and 2 assist.. he was about to play his 3rd final for Argentina and was looking forward to end all the criticism he was facing over the year that he doesn't perform well in national jersey.. Sofa score rated him 9.8 out of 10..
Match 6: Chile (Final): The match that changed the football forever..
the final match was about to start.. the attendance counts 82,026.. Majority were cheering for their little genius, Lionel messi.. Twitter overloaded with tweets.. Many hashtags invented some praising him some compares him with CR7.. The match started.. Long story short. First half ended with 0-0.. Both teams were equal in domination.. Both had their fair shots on target.. Messi was upset as he missed couple of chances.. Next 45 minutes also went 0-0.. In their allotted 90 minutes none of the team able to score.. Match went on extra time.. the whole Argentinian team were upset now.. They badly wanted to win with allotted 90 minutes but failed to do so and now its their straight three final in which they wasn't able to score...
extra 30 minutes game started.. Both teams came very close to scoring.. Messi missed a free kick.. Higuain missed a simple one on one with goalkeeper.. Romerro saved a fine shot by Eduardo vargas.. But none can score... It was very much like history repeating itself as last year copa america final also ended 0-0 after 120 minutes with the same finalist.. Aregentina 0-0 Chile after 120 minutes... Messi was in shock.. the whole crowd was in shock.. The best player of the tournament couldn't produce a single moment of magic.. Now the game carried to the penalty shootout..
Chile took the first shot and a fine save by Romero.. chile in distress.. Argentina enjoys.. The crowd getting wilder.. Now Messi came for Argentina, the sole scorer in last year copa america penalty shootout for Argentina. He shoots and ball goes into the crowd.. Nowhere near the post.. He couldn't believe what he just did.. Their teammates tries to console him but he kept his head down.. Final score: Argentina 0(2)-0(4) Chile... Messi lost again.. the match.. the faith.. everything..
He was seen crying.. The fan were sad.. Their hero.. their love.. their idol.. their GOD lost again.. few moments later after the closing ceremony news announced : Messi retires from Argentina's national team..
Messi's last statement minutes after losing was : "It's tough. its not the time for analysis.. in the dressing room i thought a lot that this is the end for me with the national team.. it's not for me. That's the way i feel right now. its a huge sadness once again and i missed the penalty that was so important. I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina but it didn't happen. I couldn't to it..there are four finals lost now.i wanted to win it, more than anything i wanted to win this cup.. It's very hard but the decision is taken. Now i will not try more and there will be no going back. I tried many times to get a title and failed.. "
The bravest warrior of copa america centenario accepts his defeat and took retirement which change the Argentina football forever..
Minute 87:
Copa america is up and running for Messi, for Argentina. What seems like a difficult task before 62nd minute is now looking like a child's play.. Panamanian defender were passing the balls. But as they say with demoralization comes bad luck, one of Panamanian defender slips while doing one-two one-two passes and Marcos rojo were always look like someone who grabs the opportunity with both hands, sends a controlled pass to Lionel messi who stops it with his left leg dodge two players and shoots.. into the net.. Crowd can't believe what they are watching. just 25 minutes on the pitch.. in the cop america centenario 2016 and he scored a hat-trick.. Unbelievable stuff... Messi came when he scored 50 goals for his country. four less than equalising the legendary Gabriel batistuta record of most no of goals for Argentina.. Now he is just one goal away to equaliser... Everyone was stunned.. Day before Panamanian coach quotes;"You can't do anything if Lionel messi is in the zone". Well he was in the zone.. Argentina 4-0.
minute 90:
When it looks that's all for today, Messi again brought the soldier field to their feet by providing a damn near accurate long pass to Marcos rojo who passed it to Aguero.. Argentina 5-0..
sofa score rates Messi's performance 9.1 out of 10 which he gained in just half an hour on the pitch.. Isn't that legendary stuff..??
Match 3: Argentina vs Bolivia
Argentina stormed into the quarter final with two consecutive wins in group stage. Lionel Messi is again on the bench. This time, the Argentinian proves the rumours that Messi isn't the lone warrior in the team.. Before half time Argentina were up 3-0. Thanks to Erik Lamela's brilliant free kick goal (13'), Lavezzi (16') and Cuesta (32'). Argentina had 85.2% possession and had 333 completed passes against Bolivia who had completed only 36 passes till half time.. First half ended.. Scoreline read 3-0..
2nd half started with Messi substituted along with Lucas Bigila on the pitch. Messi took the free kick in 50th minute but it was easily dealt with by the defenders.. Again in 60th minute he got the chance to score his elusive goal but again it went into the crowd just inches wide from the goal post.. But it was close.. Messi wasn't able to score but was always a threat to the Bolivians. he glides through them like they haven't existed. In 77th minute he did show his class by nutmegging the goalkeeper but unfortunately it was offside... Messi couldn't able to score and match ended 3-0.. They are in the quarter final against venezuela.
Match 4: Venezuela (quarterfinal)
This is lionel messi's first start in the tournament and there are huge cheers from the crowd to welcome their most loved footballer as Argentine maestro gets on the ball.. Just two minutes on the clock and Messi dribbles past 4 defenders but ball goes straight to the keeper. 2 minutes later dances past many defenders into the penalty area but again misses.. Boy!! We aren't used to that much of excitement to handle in just 4 minutes.. Leo messi makes his presence known in just 4 minutes..!!
Minute 8:
Messi had the ball in the right flank, with opponents around him.. He looked for a while and when time seems right to him, crossed an air through ball to Higuain who just kept it past the goalkeeper.. A sublime pass from Leo messi and a sublime shot by Huguain puts Argentina in front inside 8 minutes.. That's Argentina for you.. That's Messi for you.. Messi's first assist in the tournament..
Messi and company storms into the Venezuelan defence with great ease but fails many time to convert the chance into goal.. Messi was awarded a free kick after Ever banega brought down by Venezuelan player.. But this time his curling effort comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.. In 29th minute venezuelan player gave , very much like, gift wrapped ball to score to Higuain which he receives faithfully and Argentina were up 2-0. Venezuelan player back pass the ball which misses the defender and easily grabbed by Higuain who rounded off the goalkeeper and slides the ball swiftly into the net... very immature by Venezuela..
First half ended with 2-0. Messi was clinical. He was even denied from a penalty which looks like a pure tackle to him inside the penalty area.
Second half starts with a near perfect start for Argentina as Messi sends a sublime through ball to Gaitin who tried to back pass to Higuain and eventually missed..
Minute 60:
A miss time pass among Venezuelan player cost them when Gaitin stole the ball and passed it to Higuain. Higuain to Messi.. Messi runs towards goal for a while and fed the ball to Gaitin again who brilliantly passed the ball to Messi.. Messi controls it two touches and between the goalkeeper's leg into the net.. He is now joined top scorer for Argentina. argentina 3-0
Minute 71:
Messi was sure the best player of the match.. or being precise, of the tournament.. and Argentina the best team.. Venezuelan comes a bit stronger after down 3-0 and in 70th minute a fine header by Rondon makes it 3-1 but Messi had other plan in his mind and within a minute of venezuelan happiness Messi collects the ball passed by Aguero from the left flank and gently sends it to Lamela who puts it behind the goalkeeper. Argentina 4-1. Messi 4 goals and 2 assists..
Match ended 4-1 and Argentina were in the Semi Final. They look unstoppable scored a total of 14 goals in 4 matches so far. Meanwhile USA beat Ecuador 2-1 to set date with Argentina in the semifinal.
Match 5: USA (Semifinal)
Argentina came on the pitch as the favourite and they proved this right inside three minutes..
minute 3:
game just started and Argentina already started pressing high on USA. Lavezzi controls the ball for a while and passed it to Messi who lop crossed the ball again to Lavezzi's path who puts the ball behind the bars by a gentle header.. Argentina were up 1-0 in just three minutes.. It seems like They are sure to get their seat booked for the final which Messi proved right in 32nd minute..
minute 32:
Wondolowski booked a yellow card for a tackle on Lionel messi. It was 30 yards from the goal. Very promising position for the Argentine. Messi ties his shoes and stands to took a peek.. The whole crowd chants MESSI MESSI MESSI.. He looked,, concentrates and shoot.. Ohh myy goddd..!!! That's perfection..!!! Pure football..!! The ball went into the top right corner.. Guzan jumps, stretched himself as far as he could but it was Messi's ball... With this goal Lionel messi became Argentina all time highest goal scorer. 55 goals.. Argentina was just 60 minutes away from official announcement that they are in the final..That goal become one of the best goal of his goal abundant career..
Second half started and within 5 minutes Higuain makes it 3-0. thanks to a wonder pass from Lavezzi who found Higuain perfectly.. Higuain shoots but bounces back to him again after hitting the keeper. He then rounded him of and ended it into the open net.. Argentina now in total control.. They wanted time to pass quickly so they can celebrate.. USA wanted time to pass quickly so they can forget..
Long story short.. In the 86th minute a mis timed pass among USA defenders eventually found Messi who runs towards the open goal but selflessly passed it to the Higuain who he thought is in much better position than him. higuain gently puts it into the net.. Argentina 4-0.. Second consecutive final in copa america and three consecutive final considering all major tournaments.. After the match US coach states," What they are playing, is just top class"..
Messi was again the pearl, scoring a brilliant free kick and 2 assist.. he was about to play his 3rd final for Argentina and was looking forward to end all the criticism he was facing over the year that he doesn't perform well in national jersey.. Sofa score rated him 9.8 out of 10..
Match 6: Chile (Final): The match that changed the football forever..
the final match was about to start.. the attendance counts 82,026.. Majority were cheering for their little genius, Lionel messi.. Twitter overloaded with tweets.. Many hashtags invented some praising him some compares him with CR7.. The match started.. Long story short. First half ended with 0-0.. Both teams were equal in domination.. Both had their fair shots on target.. Messi was upset as he missed couple of chances.. Next 45 minutes also went 0-0.. In their allotted 90 minutes none of the team able to score.. Match went on extra time.. the whole Argentinian team were upset now.. They badly wanted to win with allotted 90 minutes but failed to do so and now its their straight three final in which they wasn't able to score...
extra 30 minutes game started.. Both teams came very close to scoring.. Messi missed a free kick.. Higuain missed a simple one on one with goalkeeper.. Romerro saved a fine shot by Eduardo vargas.. But none can score... It was very much like history repeating itself as last year copa america final also ended 0-0 after 120 minutes with the same finalist.. Aregentina 0-0 Chile after 120 minutes... Messi was in shock.. the whole crowd was in shock.. The best player of the tournament couldn't produce a single moment of magic.. Now the game carried to the penalty shootout..
Chile took the first shot and a fine save by Romero.. chile in distress.. Argentina enjoys.. The crowd getting wilder.. Now Messi came for Argentina, the sole scorer in last year copa america penalty shootout for Argentina. He shoots and ball goes into the crowd.. Nowhere near the post.. He couldn't believe what he just did.. Their teammates tries to console him but he kept his head down.. Final score: Argentina 0(2)-0(4) Chile... Messi lost again.. the match.. the faith.. everything..
He was seen crying.. The fan were sad.. Their hero.. their love.. their idol.. their GOD lost again.. few moments later after the closing ceremony news announced : Messi retires from Argentina's national team..
Messi's last statement minutes after losing was : "It's tough. its not the time for analysis.. in the dressing room i thought a lot that this is the end for me with the national team.. it's not for me. That's the way i feel right now. its a huge sadness once again and i missed the penalty that was so important. I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina but it didn't happen. I couldn't to it..there are four finals lost now.i wanted to win it, more than anything i wanted to win this cup.. It's very hard but the decision is taken. Now i will not try more and there will be no going back. I tried many times to get a title and failed.. "
The bravest warrior of copa america centenario accepts his defeat and took retirement which change the Argentina football forever..
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