Journalism of Courage
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's final loss to Chile in Copa America. Messi missed out on the first penalty for his team during the penalty shootout after the two teams remained goalless in extra time. The Argentina skipper hasn't win a major tournament with his team. (Source: USA Today Sports)
Lionel Messi made his senior debut for Argentina for a friendly against Hungary on 17 August 2005. (Source: USA TODAY Sports)
Lionel Messi returned to the team in their World Cup qualifier defeat to Paraguay, which he had declared his "re-debut" ahead of the match. Messi started his first game in the next qualifying match against Peru, in which he was able to win a crucial penalty that secured their victory. (Source: USA TODAY Sports)
After Argentina's unsuccessful performance in the Copa America in 2011, Lionel Messi was handed over the captaincy of the squad. (Source: AP)
Lionel Messi scored 71 goals in Argentina colours. Being a big player in the business Lionel Messi won FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005, Olympic Gold medal in 2008 and was a part of following- runner-up FIFA World Cup in 2014 as well as runner-up Copa America in 2007, 2015, 2016. (Source: USA Sky Sports)
