Messi was 'crying like a kid' after losing Copa America final

Lionel Messi, many people's choice for the greatest player of all time, has faced one major criticism throughout his career, his failure to replicate his club form with his national team. 

Such has been the voice of those detractors, the pressure the Barcelona forward faces every time he turns out for the 'Albiceleste' is at some times insufferable.  

Having lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany, Messi has twice had the chance to prove his doubters wrong, reaching the Copa America final twice, but on both occasions his team was overcome by Chile.

After losing the first final in Santiago, Argentina had the chance to atone for their defeat the following year in the United States. The match went to penalties but the Argentinian captain missed his kick from twelve yards and it turns out the disappointment from this was too much to take for Messi.

Former Argentinian manager Tata Martino's fitness coach Elvio Paolorosso has revealed the devestation he showed in the dressing room after the defeat.

''At two in the morning, more or less, I went to the store room and found Leo [Messi] completely alone, crying like a kid who lost his mother.

''He was distraught and nobody could console him. I gave him a hug and we had a little whine together.

''I had Messi in Barcelona and Argentina and all I have for him are words of gratitude. He always cooperated well and even noticed if the pitch was hard or soft.''