Lionel Messi retires from international football

 
Lionel Messi has announced he is to retire from international football.
The Argentina and Barcelona forward, five times World Player of the Year, missed Argentina’s opening penalty in the Copa America shoot-out.

Messi was seen in tears in the dug-out afterwards.

It was the 112th time the 29-year-old had turned out for Argentina since his debut in 2005.

Chile eventually won 4-2 on penalties. It is their second consecutive Copa win.

In his statement, “It’s tough, it’s not the time for analysis. In the dressing room, I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it’s not for me.”

“I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina. But it did not happen, I could not do it.”

“I think Leo spoke in the heat of the moment because we missed that great chance,” – Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Another footballer 26 year old Bernardo Ribeiro dies after heart attack while playing

 

After the sudden deaths of Patrick Ekeng and Jeanine Christelle Djomnang in the last three days, Brazilian footballer Bernardo Ribeiro once linked with a move to Man U passed away on Sunday May 8th after collapsing on the pitch during a match on Saturday. Brazilian Ribeiro was playing for Friburguense in his homeland on Saturday when he took ill and had to be replaced. He died the next day..

 "The Nova Friburgo sporting community is in mourning," his club said in a press statement. "Friburgense Athletic Club says farewell to a great athlete and human being, loved by every single player, member of the technical staff, director and club official. Our deepest sympathies to the Frizao family and all the family of Bernardo Ribeiro."

Newcastle Jets, his former club also paid tribute to the late footballer. May his soul Rest in Peace.