Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has claimed that Lionel Messi is likely to backtrack on his decision to retire from international football.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has won 28 trophies with Barcelona, announced minutes after his nation's Copa America defeat to Chile on Sunday that his international career has come to an end.
Messi was in tears on the final whistle after he blazed a penalty over a bar in a shootout that ended 4-2 in Chile's favour.
Romero, though, believes that his teammate will change his mind once he mulls it over.
"I think he spoke in the heat of the moment because a beautiful opportunity escaped us," Romero told reporters. "I can't imagine a national team without Messi. I think he'll reflect on it."
Messi, who is Argentina's leading goalscorer with 55 to his name, has lost four finals with his nation, and his only major honour is a 2008 Olympic gold medal.
Danielle Joynson
