113 caps, 55 goals – Argentina’s Lionel Messi retires from international football

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.

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.

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