Date: 27th June 2016 at 8:06am
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Argentina legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after missing his spot-kick as Chile won the Copa America final 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

The 29-year-old said (via BBC Sport), “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.”

Messi’s shock announcement comes after Argentina lost a fourth major final in just nine years, meaning the forward’s only major international honour was Olympic Gold at the 2008 games in Beijing.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Barcelona’s Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

However at La Liga giants FC Barcelona; Messi has won eight league titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues, among a whole host of other club and individual honours.

Messi added, “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.

“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.”

Despite failing to win the tournament, Messi scored five times at the 2016 Copa America, including a sensational free-kick in the semi-final against the USA to become his country’s record scorer with 55 goals.

Photo: Offside / EQ Images

The 29-year-old has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player five times – Photo: Offside / EQ Images.

 
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2 responses to “113 caps, 55 goals – Argentina’s Lionel Messi retires from international football”

  1. He is too young to retired from national team.

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