Lionel Messi Denies Reports of Potential Argentina National Team Break

In the wake of Argentina's runner-up finish to Chile in the 2015 Copa America, Lionel Messi has rubbished reports that he was contemplating taking a hiatus, according to Luis F. Rojo of Marca. 

The Argentinian's camp said the striker felt that a hiatus would be "bowing to the critics," and that his detractors are a minority of the team's fanbase, per the report.

On July 7, Argentine newspaper Ole (via Spanish daily AS), reported the Albiceleste captain "has been hurt by a series of personal attacks" on his performances. The AS report reads:

"

That is the opinion of sports daily Ole, who yesterday, published a scathing attack on the player for his performance in the Copa América final.

According to the paper, Messi has not made a definitive decision to temporarily take a back seat with Argentina but he has been hurt by a series of personal attacks – much more than the disappointment of losing another final with the Albiceleste.

"

It's alleged that Messi is deciding on whether to participate in the friendlies scheduled for September and could even miss some of his side's qualification fixtures for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Messi's failure to consistently reproduce his Barcelona standards on the international stage have been painted as one of Argentina's major failings. The four-time Ballon d'Or winner took to his official Facebook account to thanks his fans for their support despite the misery in Santiago:

AS cites Ole as saying Messi also considered a break from Argentina commitments after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but he ended up missing just one game for the country.

Argentina have had to cope with several upsets in a short space of time after also taking second place at last year's World Cup in Brazil, but the debate will undoubtedly be split on whether or not the blame can be lumped solely with Messi.