Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement On The Heels Of Copa America Loss

Chile-win-the-Copa-America-Centenario-final (2)

Following a humbling defeat at the hands of Chile in the Copa America final, Argentina’s playmaker, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the national team.

SEE ALSO: Lionel Messi Breaks Record To Become Argentina’s Highest Ever Goalscorer

In an unpredictable turn of events, Lionel Messi became the villain after blazing his penalty over the bar to ensure that Chile ran out 4-2 winners during the penalty kick. Messi was perhaps driven by raw emotion when he told journalists after the match, “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, it’s not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.”

He added, “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.”

The Albaceleste have lost three major finals in two years and perhaps it is not just meant to be for them.