Post-USA 2016: Messi Retires!

Following Argentina’s loss to Chile in the Copa America 2016 final, Lionel Messi was visibly devastated. Not long after the tournament’s closing ceremonies, Messi did an interview with TyC Sports in Argentina where he announced that he would no longer play for the national team.

Messi: “I’m taking this decision for me and for the many people who want this. I’ve tried so hard, but I’m leaving without managing it.”

Messi: “The national team is over for me. It’s not for me after four finals. The decision is made, I believe.”

This comes three days after Messi wrote about his frustration with the Argentine FA. “Once again waiting on a plane to leave for our destination,” Messi wrote on his Instagram. “What a disaster the AFA are. My god!” When asked about the post the next day, Messi said he’d speak to AFA about his concerns after Copa America ended.

But through some combination of his frustrations with losing in another final and dealing with AFA, the world’s greatest player has decided that enough is enough. It’s possible that this decision was made in the heat of the moment, after an emotional defeat, and his fans will be hoping he reconsiders his decision.

The World Cup is two years away, and might be Messi’s final chance to win the tournament while still in the prime of his career.

Post-USA 2016: Messi Retires!

Brazil Fire Dunga Following Poor Copa America

The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) have sacked senior national team coach Dunga following the team’s exit from the Copa America.

The Selecao suffered a disappointing group stage exit from the competition hosted in the United States of America, after one draw, a win and a defeat to Peru on Sunday.

After a meeting at the CBF headquarters, it was announced that Dunga and his entire technical team have been relieved of their duty with the national team.

“The Brazilian Football Confederation informs that it has decided this Tuesday to dissolve the coaching staff of the Brazilian national football team,” said a statement from the CBF.

“Coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi, coach Dunga and all their technical staff will leave their positions.”

“The decision was made in mutual agreement in this afternoon’s meeting and the CBF will now start its selection process for a new Brazil coaching staff.

“The CBF thanks the dedication, professionalism and commitment of the team in its work.”

The former World Cup-winning gaffer took over from Luis Felipe Scolari after the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

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Brazil Fire Dunga Following Poor Copa America 

Kaka Out Of Copa America With Injury

Kaka, who made his Brazil debut in 2002, became Orlando’s first designated player in 2014

Brazil’s Kaka is out of the Copa America with a muscle injury and will be replaced by Paulo Henrique Ganso.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder, who now plays for Orlando City in Major League Soccer, was a late replacement for Douglas Costa.

Kaka, 34, is the fifth player to withdraw from the squad and is expected to be out for about three weeks.

The 100th anniversary Copa America starts in the United States on Friday, with Brazil’s first game on Saturday.

Their campaign begins against Ecuador, before they face Haiti on 9 June and then Peru on 13 June.

BBC

Kaka Out Of Copa America With Injury

Brazil Call Up Kaka For Copa America

Kaka won Fifa’s Ballon d’Or and World Player of the Year in 2007

Kaka has been called up to the Brazil squad for next month’s Copa America in the United States.

The Orlando City midfielder, 34, will replace Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa, who was removed from the squad because of an injury to his left thigh.

Ex-AC Milan and Real Madrid player Kaka has been a regular in coach Dunga’s squads, without getting much game time.

He has won 91 caps and scored 29 goals, but has only played 60 minutes for his country in three years.

Kaka is the second player to be added to the squad because of injury, with Benfica’s Jonas replacing Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira.

Brazil have been drawn in Group B with Ecuador, Haiti and Peru for the tournament, which is staging a special 100th anniversary edition.

BBC

Brazil Call Up Kaka For Copa America