In a major development in the world of football, Lionel Messi announced his shock retirement from international football within two hours of missing out on yet another opportunity to win a major tournament for his nation.
Messi failed to convert his first penalty in Argentina colors during the shootout against Chile in the Copa America final. This was his third successive tournament where the five-time Ballon d'Or winner played in a losing cause in the summit clash while donning national colours.
Messi was reportedly heard saying, “This is a difficult moment. Tough to make analysis. I thought about it in the locker room and think national team career is over for me. This is not for me.”
"For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion," he added.
Despite being dubbed as one of the best players ever to play the game, Lionel Messi (29) has been criticised for failing to achieve a similar degree of success for Argentina compared to his otherwise illustrious club career with Spanish giants Barcelona.
Messi is still the leading goal scorer for Argentina.