Argentina’s national team skipper Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after losing Copa America final to Chile for a second consecutive year.
This is the fourth final Messi and his Argentine teammates have let go astray in nine years.

Argentina lost 2016 Copa America final to Chile 2-4 on penalties in the presence of 82k spectators at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey – and several millions of followers worldwide.
Arturo Vidal (Chile), Lucas Biglia (Argentina) and Lionel Messi couldn’t convert during the penalty shootout that decided the champ.

Announcing his retirement after match, Messi who skies the ball way over goal and into stands during the penalty kick contest that ended the final remarked: ‘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, 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,’
It’s was a shocking news for fans of the five time FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

‘I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, and then for everyone. I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.
‘It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.’
Messi participated in Argentina’s 2008 Olympic gold win defeating Mikel Obi’s Nigerian side 1-0 in the finals in China – a year after his side lost against Brazil in the 2007 Copa America final.
Argentina were also beaten 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final by Germany before two Copa America final defeats by Chile on penalties.

Messi recently surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s 54-goal tally with a superb freekick during their clash with USA to become Argentina’s all-time scorer. Photo: Getty Images

However, he’s been successful with Spanish club Barcelona having won eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and more.
Bowing out of international competitions by one of the most talented football player after 113 appearance without a significant Cup win is one that football world would not forget soon…