Lionel Messi wept following a traumatic Copa América campaign in Argentina, where hostile crowds jeered him and his children later asked why he kept returning to play for a country that did not want him.
The Hostile Reception in Santa Fe and the 2011 Copa América Turmoil
The journey to national adoration was fraught with tension and public skepticism. During the 2011 Copa América hosted in Argentina, Lionel Messi faced sharp criticism from supporters who whistled and jeered him in Santa Fe. Jorge Messi, the player’s father, spoke out about the hostility at the time, noting that his son was enduring a difficult situation marked by envy and that it was the first time he had been whistled. Celia Messi, his mother, added that Lionel suffered deeply from the harsh public scrutiny and struggled to recover emotionally.
Carrying the Burden of Expectation Through Finals
Despite maintaining an elite, world-class standing while playing for Barcelona, Lionel Messi encountered relentless scrutiny from domestic critics who questioned his commitment and leadership style. The pressure intensified with heartbreaking losses in major finals. Argentina reached the World Cup final in 2014, only to lose to Germany in extra time at the Maracanã. Subsequent defeats in 2015, 2016 and 2017 further fueled the public debate. By the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the relationship between the player and the Argentine public appeared strained to a breaking point.
The Turning Point at the 2021 Copa América and Glory in Qatar
The narrative shifted when Lionel Scaloni took charge and Argentina secured the 2021 Copa América title in Brazil. This victory served as a bridge to a reconciled public. The momentum culminated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Messi led Argentina to victory over France in the final on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium. The triumph transformed public sentiment entirely, cementing his status as a national hero and ending years of debate regarding his place in Argentine football history.
Questions From Family Amid the Uncertainty
Before the tide turned permanently, the emotional toll weighed heavily on his immediate family. During periods when his international career yielded no trophies, his children asked him during trips to Argentina why he continued to travel and play for a fanbase that subjected him to criticism. Despite the friction and the public vitriol that once labeled him with derogatory nicknames, Messi maintained his commitment to representing Argentina, ultimately reshaping his relationship with his homeland through persistence and on-field success.
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