BELO HORIZONTE (Brazil): Lionel Messi vowed to extend his international career after yet another bid to win a major title with Argentina ended in failure at the Copa America on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Barcelona star, who infamously quit international football after Argentina’s defeat in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final, said he had no plans to hang up his boots after a 2-0 semi-final loss to Brazil.
“If I can still help in any way, I will continue to do so. I feel really good in this group,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“This is a good, talented generation who showed that they love the national team,” he added.
“They have a future and great foundations, they just need to be given time.”
Messi will get another chance to break his tournament duck next year when the Copa America takes place in Argentina and Colombia, with the 2022 World Cup looming further on the horizon.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni meanwhile insisted his new-look squad had a bright future despite the defeat. – AFP
