4 reasons why Lionel Messi could retire from Argentina

#4 The players have let him down

Messi's teammates have shied away from their responsibilities

"When I played and had a bad game...(Jorge) Valdano, (Jorge) Burruchaga showed up and had my back. Messi has no one. It's all on his own." - Diego Maradona

Ever since the disastrous World Cup qualifiers to their below par and mediocre displays in Russia, El Diego's aforementioned statement has reflected brightly.

Football's a team game and hardly can you expect a player to step up in every game. The same goes for Messi, who had no one watching his back whenever he failed to deliver the required goods.

It is no secret that a talisman requires the finest team if he is to prosper. But with the Albiceleste, one can hardly say that Messi has a squad of players who deserve to play with him. His teammates have disappointed him every time, incessantly depending on him to weave the magic he is well-known for.

Simply put, the players have shunned their responsibilities during games, in spite of knowing that the Barca man will be heavily marked. And yet, hardly anyone attempted to beat the opponents or create chances, turning to a constantly hounded Messi to provide food for scoring goals.

The players failing to fulfil their basic duties could well be a crucial reason for Messi to call it a day once more.