Kottayam, Sept. 1 -- Congress MLA Chandy Oommen expressed hope that Lionel Messi would remain involved in football even after ending his international playing career, suggesting the Argentine legend could contribute to the sport through coaching or other roles.

"It is indeed a declaration which has shocked the Football world; that is a reality. But I hope even after his retirement from the football game, he has not retired from Football promotion or coaching. He might not be a player, but he might remain in the Football world in various roles," Oommen told ANI.

Oommen was reacting to Messi's decision to bring the curtain down on his two-decade-long international career with Argentina.

Messi made his senior international debut in 2005 a...