How Barcelona Would Benefit from Lionel Messi's International Retirement

What would happen if Lionel Messi finally got so fed up with all of the criticism flung his way that he decided to concentrate all of his playing efforts with Barcelona?

That is the scenario that could well be played out in the near future after the Argentina captain was blamed in many quarters for the Albiceleste's failure to win another major final.

The loss to Chile in the Copa America final came just a year after a devastating defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup.

Both tournaments saw Messi named as Player of the Tournament. He didn't look too enthused at receiving the award in Brazil:

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

And after the penalty loss to Chile, he allegedly refused to even accept the accolade, per JJ Bull of the Daily Telegraph. 

But the wounds run even deeper than that.

According to Argentine paper Ole (h/t Fox Sports), Messi is considering some time away from the national team:

"Desolate after another lost final, and especially by the tough criticism, Messi could take a break from the national team."

Former Argentine international Matias Almeyda was forthright in his condemnation of the critics when talking to Fox Sports television:

"

One day this boy is going to get tired and will not want to come to play for the team.

He was criticised for not signing the national anthem. He is always being criticised for something.

He's the best player in the world and he is not treated in the way he deserves.

"

It would be headline news around the world if Messi were to hand back the armband and disengage himself from the national side while in his prime.

Despite always giving his best, the constant sniping could force him out of the picture.

Great news for Barcelona. Fatal to Argentina's chances of winning anything in the near future.

Quite why Messi remains the target for the boo boys is an interesting question in itself. Perhaps a feeling that he doesn't play as well for the national team as he does for Barca is chief among the ire of those who remain critical.

Which conveniently ignores the fact that if it weren't for Messi half the time, Argentina would be in an even worse state than they are now. That is essentially what awaits the fans if they continue with their barrage.

In any event, the Catalans must be licking their lips at the thought of no more 5,000-plus-mile round trips for meaningless friendlies slap bang in the middle of an important week in La Liga.

The worry that their number 10 might be injured in training while on international duty will dissipate. In fact, such a situation couldn't be any more perfect as far as Barca are concerned.

Messi played in 51 games for the Blaugrana throughout 2014/15 and was decisive in a large portion of them. Per WhoScored.com, he was man of the match in 38 of those games.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Understandably, as the years pass, that sort of influence will begin to wane, but without the stress of international football, arguably Messi's standard of excellence will remain at a higher level for longer.

Knocking players down and expecting them to keep picking themselves back up only to suffer the same treatment is naive at best.

Messi is adored in Catalonia, and although it could be said that he plays alongside a higher standard of team-mate, there is no getting away from his obvious enjoyment playing there.

You can see in his body language that things just aren't the same when he pulls on the sky blue and white.

The last word should go to Argentina Football Association President Luis Segura, via Fox Sports: 

"I don't understand the people who criticise him. Messi suffers as much as the supporters from not winning a title."

If it prolongs his club career, Barcelona might be hoping that the criticism continues.