Published: Jun 28, 2016, 12:37 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 28, 2016, 12:44 PM (IST)
Argentina footballer Lionel Messi created a stir by announcing his retirement following his side’s defeat in the Copa America final 2016 against Chile. The star footballer missed the target during penalty shoot-outs as his side lost by 4-2 in the shoot-outs. The defeat Copa America final was too hard to digest as Messi in a haste, perhaps, decided to call it a day from international circuit. READ MORE: Twitterati take a dig at Shahid Afridi following Lionel Messi’s retirement
Cricketers like Suresh Raina, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, Shikhar Dhawan and commentator Harsha Bhogle reacted to this move by Messi and hailed the legend. READ MORE: Virat Kohli thanks German footballer Toni Kroos for the gesture; builds camaraderie
Dhawan was quoted in a report from Sportskeeda saying, “Congratulations!! You have been an inspiration to an entire generation #Messi.”
Raina wrote: “Sad day for football lovers We Will Miss You Messi #JersyNo10 #Messi #HeartOftheGame”
Ganguly’s love for football is well-known and he has been an avid follower of the game. He said, “I am surprised with his decision. I think the AFA is going to discuss it with him. Hopefully, he will play in the 2018 World Cup.”
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “It’s amazing. You can have everything and still find life holding something back. Kabhi kisiko mukammal jahan nahi milta! #Messi.”
It’s amazing. You can have everything and still find life holding something back. Kabhi kisiko mukammal jahan nahi milta! #Messi
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2016
Former Indian football skipper Bhaichung Bhutia tweeted saying, “Messi: you are a champion. You can’t give up so easily. We can’t see you retire so early. Hope you would take time to rethink.”
Messi: you are a champion. You can’t give up so easily. We can’t see you retire so early. Hope you would take time to rethink. — Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) June 27, 2016
It’s good to see athletes backing each other in times of difficulties. With this, they have surely earned a lot of respect and won billions of hearts. Hopefully, Messi, one of the greatest sportsman the world has witnessed, reconsiders his decision and makes a comeback so that the fans can once again see him weaving magic on the field for Argentina.
