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| Lionel Messi has retired from international football after losing out in four major tournament finals. |
Lionel Messi has sensationally retired from international football following Argentina’s loss on penalties to Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario.
Messi, 29, appeared devastated after missing Argentina’s first spot kick in the shootout during the 4-2 loss to Chile on Sunday in New Jersey.
Speaking to the media after the game, Messi, said “That’s it. The national team is over for me. It’s been four finals. It’s not for me.”
“Unfortunately I tried for it and it’s what I wanted the most. It didn’t happen but I think that’s it,” he added.
Messi, 29, has made 112 appearances since making his debut for Argentina in 2005.
He has been on the losing side with Argentina in the finals of the last three major tournaments he has played in, including the 2014 World Cup, and the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa America.
Asked if he would reconsider his decision, Messi added, “It’s done. I already tried a lot. I tried a lot.
“The mark will remain with me that I have never been able to be a champion with Argentina but it is what it is. It didn’t happen. And regrettably, I’m going without being able to do it.”
The announcement comes just days after Messi expressed his continued frustration with the Argentine FA on social media.
“Waiting on a plane once again to leave for our destination,” wrote Messi on Instagram. “What a disaster the AFA are. My god!”