'Leo Messi Has Abandoned Us' - Read Ronaldo's Reaction To Messi's Retirement

Brazilian football legend, Ronaldo Delima revealed he feels “abandoned” by Lionel Messi's decision to quit international football and hopes the Barcelona forward reconsiders his decision to quit the national team. 

The Argentina skipper lost his third major final in his country's colours when they got beaten by Chile in the penalty shootout of Copa America Centenario last Sunday to continue their trophy drought. 

Having missed a spot kick in the shootout himself, the reigning World's footballer of the year stunned the world in the aftermath by calling time on his international career, triggering an overflow of emotions and a plea for his return, with legend Diego Maradona and the country’s own president, Mauricio Macri leading the call.

And Brazil great Ronaldo, who himself lost World Cup and Copa America finals before going on to win both, sympathises with Messi but, like most self-respecting football fans, is praying for a change of heart.

“It is an extremely personal choice for Messi and we have to respect,” Ronaldo told China’s official Xinhua news agency.

“We all feel abandoned by Messi and hope he can change his decision.”

There are already fears that a Messi-less Argentina may miss out on qualification for the Russia 2018 World Cup, an event that could be his last shot at international glory while he’s in his prime.

The five-time ballon d’Or winner has retreated to his native Rosario, Argentina after the painful defeat to Chile on US soil and is now holidaying with his family as he recovers mentally and physically for the 2016/17 campaign.