Ronaldo Speaks On Messi’s Retirement From Internationals

Ronaldo Speaks On Messi’s Retirement From Internationals

Brazil legend Ronaldo says he feels “abandoned” by Lionel Messi and hopes the Argentine reconsiders his decision to quit international football.

Messi, 29, lost his third major final with Argentina in as many years last Sunday after going down to Chile in a shootout during the decider for the Copa America Centenario as his country’s trophy drought continues.

Having missed a spot kick in the shootout, the Barcelona talisman stunned the world in the aftermath by revealing he would never again play for Argentina, triggering an overflow of emotions and a plea for his return, with legend Diego Maradona and the country’s own president, Mauricio Macri leading the call.

And Brazil great Ronaldo, who himself lost World Cup and Copa America finals before going on to win both, sympathises with Messi but, like most self-respecting football fans, is praying for a change of heart, Goal reports.

“It is an extremely personal choice for Messi and we have to respect,” Ronaldo told China’s official Xinhua news agency.

“We all feel abandoned by Messi and hope he can change his decision.”

There are already fears that a Messi-less Argentina may miss out on qualification for the Russia 2018 World Cup, an event that could be his last shot at international glory while he’s in his prime.

The five-time ballon d’Or winner has retreated to his native Rosario, Argentina after the painful defeat to Chile on US soil and is now holidaying with his family as he recovers mentally and physically for the 2016/17 campaign.