Day Messi was found ‘crying like his mother had died’ after penalty shoot-out heartache

By Chris Burton on September 15, 2018

Lionel Messi was found “crying like a kid who had lost his mother” after enduring Copa America final heartache with Argentina in 2016.

Despite enjoying considerable success at club level with Barcelona, while also collecting five Ballons d’Or, the 31-year-old forward is still waiting on a first senior international honour.

He has come agonisingly close to breaking that duck on a number of occasions, but his dreams have always been dashed in the most gut-wrenching of fashions.

After seeing Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner settle the 2014 World Cup final, Messi would then endure penalty shoot-out defeats to Chile in successive years at the Copa America.

A modern-day icon failed from the spot in the most recent of those setbacks, leading to him being left inconsolable.

Former Argentina and Barcelona fitness coach Elvio Paolorosso told Jogo Bonito of the fallout from a painful defeat: “The dressing room after the Copa America was very painful, but the worst was to come.

“At two in the morning, more or less, I went to the store room and found Leo completely alone, crying like a kid who had lost his mother.

“He was distraught and nobody could console him. I gave him a hug and we had a little whine together.

“I had Messi with Barcelona and Argentina, and all I have for him are words of gratitude. He always cooperated well and even noticed if the pitch was hard or soft.”

Messi announced his international retirement after failing to help Argentina past Chile, with that decision leaving those in his homeland stunned.

He was eventually talked round and helped to guide the Albiceleste to the 2018 World Cup.

More international suffering was to come on Russian soil, though, with eventual champions France sending Argentina crashing out at the last-16 stage.

Messi is now mulling over his options once more, with a period of rest having been granted to him during the recent break which saw fellow star turns head away with their respective countries.

No decision has been taken on whether he will return to the fold, but interim Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has vowed to keep the No. 10 jersey waiting for him. (Goal.com)

•Photo shows a despondent Lionel Messi

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 15, 2018


 

You may also like...
Semi-final ticket inspired Nigeria U17 emphatic win over...

Under-20 Women's World Cup: Nigeria beat Haiti to...

Iheanacho on rampage in English FA Cup, sinks...

Amusan: Despite losing the 100m hurdles title we...

Son Returns To South Korea For ‘Personal Reasons’...

Garcia agrees with Osimhen’s demands for Napoli

 

Latest News CAF awards: Ajibade, Nnadozie, Edo Queens bag nominations Lagos SWAN, PAACC Hold SWAN Day At Golfview Hotels, Ikeja Crisis looms as Eagles’ form raises AFCON, W’Cup concerns Ex-Nigerian Super Falcons player handcuffed, children assaulted as police storm Anambra Football Academy Sports NFF, teammates console Nwabali on father’s death Abia Govt hails Nigeria Olympic Committee over staging an admin course in Umuahia Libya deliver Eagles 2025 AFCON ticket Eagles battle Cheetahs for 2025 AFCON ticket Yellow Greens gear up for T20 W’Cup qualifiers Tyson tips Fury to beat Joshua Sadiq absent as 22 Eagles train in Abidjan Eagles’ striking trio hot for Cheetahs, Amavubi clashes

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,164 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,307 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,370 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,015 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,948 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,904 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,743 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,312 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,366 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,054 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,507 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,931 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media