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

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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.

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.”