Gonzalo Higuain Puts an End to Underwhelming Argentina Career
After a decade, 75 caps, 31 goals, and some high-profile errors, Gonzalo Higuain has put an end to his underwhelming international career with Argentina.
If you took a glance over Gonzalo Higuain’s international stats with Argentina over the years, you’d probably be quite impressed. It’s not easy scoring goals consistently at that level and very few reach 30 goals for their nation – a threshold Higuain recently surpassed. However, when looking at specific, big-game performances, Higuain came up massively short for Argentina and probably cost them, and most notably his legendary teammate Lionel Messi, some international glory. His dreadful showing in the 2014 World Cup final along with his disastrous 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals have led to him being treated harshly by Argentina fans, along with the general footballing world.
Gonzalo Higuaín has reportedly announced his retirement from international duty with Argentina.
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 28, 2019
An international career that could've been so much different... pic.twitter.com/RZCEP1lEAF
Whether you blame or pity Higuain for the events of July 2014 in Brazil, there’s no doubt that his performance cost Argentina the grandest trophy of them all – the World Cup. He started for his nation that day, and one of the most iconic moments of the match was Higuain celebrating like a madman after what he thought was the opening goal – before eventually noticing the raised flag from the linesman. That moment was one that will last a lifetime for many, and it’s truly difficult to know whether to be upset for him or to laugh at him – it was a bizarre moment that defined the match. He did have a few other defining moments, and his failure to convert chances in that match are certainly included.
Upon retiring, Gonzalo Higuain is sixth in his country's all time scoring list. It seems the criticism over the years have taken its toll, that blue and white jersey is a heavy one to wear. He can definitely hold his head high, but three runner up medals show how close he came
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 28, 2019
The 2015 Copa America final was another horrific day for Higuain, just 1 year after the calamitous World Cup final. Argentina, desperate to win a trophy for their captain and legend Lionel Messi, lost to Chile in the final on penalties. Higuain missed a golden opportunity in the match, and missed his spot-kick in the shootout as well. In the Copa America final the year after, in 2016, Higuain missed a 3rd clear-cut opportunity in a 3rd consecutive major final. For these 3 performances alone – the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America’s – Gonzalo Higuain’s international career will be highly frowned upon and criticized.
Next. Raheem Sterling: An Anti-Racism Hero. dark
Although earning 75 caps and scoring 31 goals for your nation is an excellent return, Gonzalo Higuain’s retirement from international football is necessary. His abysmal performances when it mattered most hindered Argentina’s decade, and it’s time for new players such as Lautaro Martinez and Mauro Icardi to step in and fill the hole.