Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly calling it quits on his international career with Argnetina, following his side’s Copa America Centenario defeat to Chile on penalties on Sunday.
Messi played an instrumental role in guiding Argentina to the Copa America Final for a second successive year, but was left inconsolable after he skied his team’s opening spot-kick in the 4-2 penalty shoot-out loss.
Despite his illustrious trophy-laden career with Barca, the 29-year-old, has never won a major trophy with La Albiceleste, after losing a third consecutive final in as many years.
In the 2014 World Cup Final he suffered heartache as Argentina succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany in extra-time.
And last year La Seleccion again could not overcome Chile in the 2015 Copa America decider, losing on penalty-kicks.
Speaking after the match, a distraught Messi, left the mixed zone stunned when he indicated he will retire from international football.
“In the locker room I thought that the national team is not for me, it’s what I feel right now,” Messi revealed.
“It’s a great sadness that it happened to me again, the fact that I missed a penalty kick that was very important.
“It’s for the good of everybody, it’s not enough to just get to the final and win.
“It’s difficult in this moment to do any sort of analysis.”
Reports have also emerged, Messi’s club teammate Javier Mascherano has decided to retire from the national team following the disappointing loss.
Messi netted an impressive 55 goals in 112 international caps for Argentina, but failed to win an international tournament in what is considered a blight on his incredible legacy.
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