NEW DELHI: Indian football fraternity on Monday expressed shock and surprise at the sudden international retirement of Argentine ace footballer Lionel Messi with some hoping that he will reconsider his decision.
Former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia said that 29-year-old Messi must have taken the decision in an emotional moment after losing the Copa America summit clash against Chile in the United States.
“It was unfortunate. It seems it was an emotional decision and he must reconsider it. 29 is not the right age to retire. Diego Maradonna should request Messi to reconsider the decision,” he said. “Messi, you are a champion. You can’t give up so easily. We can’t see you retire so early. Hope you would take time to rethink,” he added. India national team Technical Director Scott O’Donnell said he expects Messi to play in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. “I will be surprised if he does not play in 2018 World Cup in Russia,” O’Donnell said. Former India international Nirmal Chettri said, “Rush to take decision on the int’l football. No doubt there’s much to deliver from the Genius. Legend don’t give up easily????” Another ex-India international Anadi Barua said, “Big loss for international football and for fans across the world.” Former Indian cricket team captain Bishan Singh Bedi tweeted, “Lionel Messi retires .. Really devastated by his own greatness ..!! Sport doesn’t spare even the greatest..One has to live with it..& move on!!”. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said he was surprised with Messi’s decision to retire from international football. “I am surprised with his decision. I cannot imagine that I will not see Messi donning the white blue jersey anymore,” Ganguly, who is also the co-owner of Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Atletico de Kolkata, said. India’s football icon P K Banerjee also reacted with shock and dismay. “It is a loss for world football. You could see he was in so much pain after the loss. May be it the reason why he decided to quit,” said Banerjee. Indian football referee Dinesh Nair, who had officiated an International friendly match between Messi-led Argentina and Venezuela five year ago at the Salt Lake stadium here, said the star footballer’s retirement decision was premature. “It was premature. Nobody would have thought Messi’s career to end in such a way. Messi has inspired many to follow football, like Sachin Tendulkar did to cricket. He will leave a big void. Football will be poorer without him,” he said. –BS
