Several players may follow Messi into Intl retirement

While Sergio Romero believes that the forward will reconsider and stay with the national team, the Manchester City striker says that he and others are ‘evaluating’ the same move.

Lionel Messi may not be the only Argentina star to decide on international retirement after their Copa America heartbreak, says Sergio Aguero.

The Albiceleste drew 0-0 with Chile in the final on Sunday before a missed penalty from Messi contributed to a 4-2 defeat in the shootout, after which the Barcelona star told reporters that ‘the national team is over for me’.

Aguero, who shared with Messi the pain of consecutive Copa defeats by Chile and the loss of the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, confirmed that the devastation of another near miss had many contemplating a similar move.

‘There are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team,’ the striker told reporters. ‘This is the worst dressing-room I’ve ever been in, worse than the final in the World Cup in Brazil and the other Copa America.’

Reports in South America have linked Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria with international retirement ahead of Argentina’s resumption of World Cup qualification in September.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero, however, believes that Messi may come down from his decision after the initial heartbreak of Sunday`s defeat wears off.

‘I think he spoke in the heat of the moment because a beautiful opportunity escaped us,’ said the keeper. ‘I can’t imagine a national team without Messi. I think he’ll reflect on it.’