Having lost the Copa America final twice in 12 months, it all appeared to be too much for Lionel Messi, who announced his international retirement after Chile won the Copa America Centenario in the summer.
But like all good superheroes, it’s all in the comeback – he was always going to return to us, wasn’t he?
ICYMI – Messi scored his 56th international goal in his return for Argentina, beating Uruguay 1-0. pic.twitter.com/sTOPMwMstT
— William Hill Betting (@WillHillBet) September 2, 2016
Messi’s been through quite a lot, and many were appreciative of the great man.
Penalty miss. Trophy loss. Heartbreak. Retirement. Comeback shortly. Play despite injury. Score. Celebrate madly. Messi is too messed up! ð
— Devsaagar (@Devsaagar) September 2, 2016
He was even carrying an injury, but played through the pain anyway. What a guy!
It was ridiculous how much influence Messi had on the game while not being fit to play. Hopefully his injury isn't much worse now.
— Jamsheed (@JamsheedFCB) September 2, 2016
And it looked like the fans weren’t the only ones delighted to have him back.
Gif: Messi and Suarez before Argentina-Uruguay kick-off #fcblive [via @i_NJR_YT] pic.twitter.com/c0OImSKv8I
— Barcastuff (@barcastuff_real) September 2, 2016
Rather unsurprisingly, Messi scored the only goal of the game, smashing in a deflected effort before the end of the first half.
Messi is so good, he even scores after he retires.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 2, 2016
The Barcelona striker’s presence was confusing for some.
Someone explain to me has messi actually retired ?
— The_FM_Project (@The_FM_Project) September 2, 2016
Meanwhile, others were bemused by other things.
Messi is still blond and ginger? Can we stop this?
— Sonja Nikcevic (@sonjanik13) September 2, 2016
Messi must be used to this sort of treatment.
That was a massive effort by that pitch invader to run the full length of the field to hug Messi ð
— Nic Naitanui (@RealNaitanui) September 2, 2016
Is there any other way to greet Messi? pic.twitter.com/FXqN7OKZkE
— Barca World (@FCBarcelonaHome) September 2, 2016
And some things never change.
comparing Messi to Ronaldo, jeez what an insult to Messi
— Brooks (@ClinicalGeezer) September 2, 2016
Oh, I guess we’re still doing it.
I dont get people that say "Lets enjoy them both" while talking about Messi & Cr7, as if theyre on the same level.. pic.twitter.com/NcfKGyZU7T
— Goal Digger (@FCBGoalDigger) September 2, 2016
Do you people never get tired of the Messi vs CR7 debate?
— BarcaGame (@Justbarca45) September 2, 2016
Can we all just relax? OK?
Messi. Nothing else matters. pic.twitter.com/qtODcIKPuk
— Team Messi (@TeamMessiAr) September 2, 2016
That’s better.
