It would be a pity if Lionel Messi succumbed to criticism of Argentina's Copa America loss to Chile and opted to leave the national team, said Luis Segura, president of the Argentine Football Association, on Tuesday.
Segura was responding to unconfirmed reports from Argentine daily Ole that suggested, based on Messi's recent Facebook post, that the Barcelona star was tired of criticism in his own country and would take a break from the national team.
"I don't understand why people want to argue over Messi's presence. That is an absolute injustice. I hope he never gets tired of the criticism," Segura said.
"It would be a shame if Messi left the national team."
On Monday, Messi, who is currently vacationing at his family's home in Rosario, posted this message on Facebook following Argentina's 4-1 loss on penalty kicks to Chile at Copa America.
No hay nada más doloroso en el fútbol que perder una final, pero no quiero que pase más tiempo sin darles las gracias a...
Posted by Leo Messi on Lunes, 6 de julio de 2015
Segura said the media and fan criticism was not merited.
"I am sure that Messi is hurting over not winning that title just as much as any fan," he said. "I can accept that some compare Messi to other players, that is a matter of taste, but no one can argue that he hasn't given his all."