Lionel Messi retires: Barcelona team- mate Luis Suarez backs forward to play for Argentina again

The 29-year-old, five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the shock announcement after missing a penalty in the shoot-out of his country’s defeat by Chile in the Copa America final

Luis Suarez believes Barcelona team-mate and Argentina forward Lionel Messi will reconsider his decision to retire from international football. The 29-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the shock announcement after missing a penalty in the shoot-out of his country’s defeat by Chile in the Copa America final in New Jersey on Sunday night. Messi was left in tears at the outcome – just the latest failure of the Argentinian national side to win a major honour – but has been urged by both president Mauricio Macri and Diego Maradona to change his mind. Turning his back on Argentina proves why Messi cannot rival Maradona

Suarez, who played alongside Messi last season for Barcelona, told Radio Tenfield : “I’m sure that he will change his mind, but whatever he decides he will still be the best ever. “Knowing Leo, I’m sure it was said in a moment of sadness and helplessness. It would be a shame for football if he took this decision, but I'm sure he will reconsider and change his mind. “It's a difficult time. Everyone has the right to make decisions and they should be respected.” The Uruguayan striker was speaking after Messi said winning silverware with Argentina was “the thing he wanted most” before suggesting his time with the national team was over. “For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion. It's been four finals, it's not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over.”