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Messi: I will Continue to Play for Argentina
Putting to rest all speculation doing the round that Messi might quit playing for Argentina, the man in question himself clarified that, he will continue to play for the country despite harsh criticism about his performance for the national team.
Earlier Argentina Football Association’s President, Julio Grondona’s stated in a radio interview that, ‘Messi might quell all criticism by declining to play for Argentina. He talked tongue-in-cheek about Messi staying away saying, “The solution would be if he (Messi) said: ‘I’m not coming again, I’m staying in Spain’.”
Responding to the statement, Messi told the media in a Press Conference that he will still continue to play for the country despite failing to make a mark. “Although they criticize me, I will always come to the national team. Criticism by the fans bothers me and everyone, but we are aware that we didn’t do things correctly.”
“I don’t think anyone likes it when they’re whistled and insulted. We’re the first ones who want to do things well,” Messi added.
Messi and Argentina played poorly in their first two group games in the Copa America and were booed off the pitch in one of them. But on Monday, Argentina beat Costa Rica 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals, and Messi showed some of the form he regularly displays with Barcelona.
The Barcelona star also urges people not to compare Argentina and his club, as the Spanish Giants has been working as a unit for a lot longer. “It’s a mistake to compare this team to Barcelona. We’ve all been working together at Barcelona for a long time.”
“In the national team we’re trying to do something similar, keeping hold of the ball, dictating the rhythm of the game, but you can’t compare the two teams, either as a group or in terms of individuals,” added the 23 year old footballer.
Argentineans are banging upon Messi to bring them their first Major Trophy in 18 years. They won their last Continental Championship way back in 1993. “Argentina needs a trophy,” he said. “It’s a long time since we’ve won one.”
