Messi and his compatriots crashed out of the continental competition after losing 2-0 to Brazil in the semi-finals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not able to inspire his side to a third successive final, having lost the last two to Chile on penalties. Instead, Argentina face their finalist foes in the third-place game tonight in Sao Paulo. Messi retired from international football in 2016 but reversed his decision after widespread pleas for him to stay.
The downbeat nature of Argentina’s exit this time around may tempt Messi into making the call once more, and ex-Barcelona striker Rivaldo believes the forward will be leaving.
“Right now, Lionel Messi should feel sad after fighting so much for his national team and losing yet again,” the Brazilian told Betfair.
“Argentina hasn’t won the Copa America since 1993 and Messi wanted this title very much.
“I’m sorry for him as he represents so much for football and it’s disappointing to see him not achieving one of the remaining goals in his career.