Fans took to Twitter to express their anger, grief, and many other emotions.
PHOTO: AFP
It was no surprise that the world was outraged and in disbelief as arguably one of the greatest footballers Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
Messi's announcement came after Argentina failed to win against Chile in the final of the Copa America. The 29-year-old’s dramatic announcement followed Argentina’s third loss in a major final since 2014. They were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the final of the World Cup in 2014 and lost on penalties, also to Chile, in the final of the 2015 Copa America.
Messi retires from international football
Grief-stricken and angry fans took to Twitter to express their feelings:
https://twitter.com/messi10stats/status/747321538605518849
https://twitter.com/crazydotcomm/status/747337238309011456
Me when #Messi said he's retiring from International Soccer pic.twitter.com/KGTzQexGMp
— Daniel (@Daniel_Partida8) June 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/JPizzleFIFA/status/747309654351306752
I'm sure this boy can convince #Messi to rescind his decision.😁😁😁 pic.twitter.com/QWTmrNcPwx
— Mr. Rules (@EbenezerRules) June 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/FootballFunnys/status/747334963612155904
https://twitter.com/artdecogaga/status/747330636214472709
https://twitter.com/HassanJaber99/status/747328380970766336
Sums up everything #Messi pic.twitter.com/Wfhpd6a6wl
— عمر (@Keyb0ardMujahid) June 27, 2016
Chile retain Copa with shootout win over Argentina
Certain fans also drew parallels between the Argentine and Shahid Afridi questioning when the 36-year-old all-rounder will retire.
Dear Messi,
— The Neonatal Doctor (@DrDebashisDe) June 27, 2016
This is Shahid Afridi.
He retires every year.
Comes out of every retirement.
Be like Shahid Afridi. pic.twitter.com/rQHOVeWZrD
Reporter: "Will you reconsider your decision?"
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 27, 2016
Messi: "No. I'm Not Shahid Afridi." ;)#LionelMessi
https://twitter.com/no1tweets/status/747345987589410817
Hands up if you thought #Messi would retire from international football before Afridi retired from cricket. pic.twitter.com/ob6k8KtkZ4
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) June 27, 2016
Au revoir Messi.
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