Lionel Messi Denies Reports of Potential Argentina National Team Hiatus

Lionel Messi has reportedly denied rumours suggesting he is considering taking a break from international football following Argentina's Copa America final loss to Chile.

Argentinian outlet Ole (h/t AS in English) recently reported that the Barcelona star was at the end of his tether after being criticised for his performances with the Albiceleste.

The penalty-shootout loss to Chile in Saturday's final came less than a year after they were beaten by Germany in the World Cup final in Brazil. 

However, despite the defeats and the criticism, Messi is not contemplating a hiatus from international football, according to a source close to the 28-year-old forward, per Luis F. Rojo of Spanish outlet Marca: "It's bulls--t being spread by media outlets that do nothing but make things up."

Rojo continues that Messi feels "quitting playing for Argentina would be bowing to the critics."

He took to his Facebook page in the wake of the Copa defeat to thank fans for their support:

Messi only managed one goal in six matches at the Copa America, something of a surprise for a player who scored 43 La Liga goals for Barcelona in the 2014-15 season, per WhoScored.com. 

He has often been criticised for failing to reproduce his club form at the international level, but he is seemingly committed to proving his doubters wrong by continuing with Argentina.