Buenos Aires (AFP) - Argentina is gripped by a debate over superstar Lionel Messi, who was devastated by losing the Copa America final and has withdrawn into a shocked isolation.
Some obervers in his home country say criticism fired at Messi could force him to take a break from national duty.
The 28-year-old football genius left the pitch ashen-faced after Argentina lost the Copa America to Chile in a 4-1 penalty shootout in Santiago on Saturday. The scenes were reminiscent of last year's World Cup final when Germany beat Argentina in extra time. Then 'Leo' left in tears. Messi first tasted a major defeat in 2007 when Argentina lost 3-0 to old rivals Brazil in the Copa final.
Messi finally posted a statement on his facebook account late Monday.
"There's nothing more painful in football than losing a final," he said.
"But I don't want to leave it any longer to say thank you to everyone who has always supported us and continued to during the tough moments."
Despite his huge success with Barcelona, Messi is now going through tough moments as is a country which has not won a major title for 22 years.
