Lionel Messi: Argentina forward retires from international football
Baku, June 27, AZERTAC
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international duty after missing in a penalty shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years, according to BBC.
"It's not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion," the 29-year-old said after defeat by Chile at the Copa America.
With Barcelona, Messi has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
But his only major international honour is 2008 Olympic gold.
Argentina were beaten 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final by Germany before two Copa America final defeats by Chile on penalties. Messi was also on the losing side against Brazil in the 2007 Copa America final.
"It's been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over," he said.
After Sunday's match finished 0-0 in 120 minutes, Chile won 4-2 on penalties.
Messi had scored five times at the tournament, including a superb free-kick in the semi-final against hosts the USA to become his country's record scorer with 55 goals.
Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005, going on to make 113 appearances.
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