How did Messi overcome his 2016 international retirement crisis?

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Messi Overcame International Retirement Crisis Through Renewed Love for Country and Subsequent Success

Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international football in 2016, following a penalty shootout loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final, was a moment of profound heartbreak. He famously declared "the national team is over" for him after missing his penalty kick, a sentiment echoed by teammate Sergio Aguero, who noted Messi was "never seen him in such a state." However, a mere six weeks later, Messi reversed his decision, citing an overwhelming "love for my country and this shirt." This pivotal change of heart initiated a significant turnaround in Argentina's international fortunes, particularly under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, leading to triumphs in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
The Depth of Disappointment in 2016

The 2016 Copa America Centenario final marked the culmination of a series of major tournament disappointments for Messi and Argentina. Despite reaching the final with an impressive record, the penalty shootout loss to Chile, in which Messi missed his attempt, proved to be the breaking point. This defeat followed previous final losses, including the 2007 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup, as well as other significant tournament exits. The emotional toll of these repeated near misses, particularly the penalty miss in the 2016 final, led Messi to publicly state his intention to step away from the national team.
Public Plea and Personal Reconsideration

Following Messi's declaration of retirement, there was a significant outpouring of support and pleas for him to reconsider. Notably, football legend Diego Maradona urged Messi to continue his international career, emphasizing that he still had playing days ahead of him. This public sentiment, combined with Messi's deep-seated connection to his country and the national team jersey, played a crucial role in his eventual change of mind. The introspection during the six weeks after the final allowed him to reaffirm his commitment.
A Shift Towards Redemption and Triumphs

Messi's decision to continue with the national team marked the beginning of a new era for Argentina. While the 2018 World Cup saw an exit in the round of 16, the subsequent appointment of Lionel Scaloni as coach ushered in a period of revival. This culminated in Argentina winning the 2021 Copa America, their first major title in 28 years, defeating hosts Brazil in the final. This victory served as a significant precursor to their ultimate triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Messi played a central role in securing the coveted trophy through a penalty shootout victory against France, completing a remarkable redemption arc.

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How did Messi overcome his 2016 international retirement crisis?

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