Pique: Competitive Messi will pick himself after Copa disappointment

Despite the disappointment of being knocked out of the European Championships against Italy, Gerard Pique took advantage of his appearance in front of the media to offer his support to Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final. 

“I’ve not spoke with Messi. I know the same as you,” Pique said to journalists in the mixed zone at the Stade de France, before adding: “I’m sure it was a big blow, but I know how competitive he is and I know he will pick himself up from this, as many others have done before.” 

Argentina’s elimination had a huge effect on Messi, who announced his retirement after losing four finals for his national team. Three of those finals have come in the Copa America and one in the World Cup, with three of them coming in the last three years.