Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from
international football on Sunday after Argentina lost the Copa America
final against Chile at MetLife Stadium on Monday.
Chile stunned Argentina to win the coveted title in a penalty shoot-out as Messi's title curse struck again.
Messi blazed a penalty over the bar in the shoot-out before Lucas Biglia missed to leave Chile's Francisco Silva with the task of stroking home the winning spot-kick.
It was a carbon copy of last year's Copa America final, also won by Chile on penalties after a goalless draw.
The defeat also ensured Argentina's 23-year wait for a major title -- and a first for five-time world player of the year Messi -- continued.
"For me the national team is over," the crestfallen 29-year-old told
Although universally regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, he has regularly been criticised for his failure to land a major title in the colours of Argentina.
Lionel Messi,the five-time FIFA Player of the Year Messi has won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns with Barcelona, but has never taken a trophy with Argentina.
Lionel Messi's failure to match the achievements in the Argentina jersey of Diego Maradona, who single-handedly carried the team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, has often been held against him.
Diego Maradona himself has often taken potshots at Lionel Messi, criticizing him on the eve of the tournament for a perceived "lack of personality."
Chile stunned Argentina to win the coveted title in a penalty shoot-out as Messi's title curse struck again.
Messi blazed a penalty over the bar in the shoot-out before Lucas Biglia missed to leave Chile's Francisco Silva with the task of stroking home the winning spot-kick.
It was a carbon copy of last year's Copa America final, also won by Chile on penalties after a goalless draw.
The defeat also ensured Argentina's 23-year wait for a major title -- and a first for five-time world player of the year Messi -- continued.
"For me the national team is over," the crestfallen 29-year-old told
Although universally regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever, he has regularly been criticised for his failure to land a major title in the colours of Argentina.
Lionel Messi,the five-time FIFA Player of the Year Messi has won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns with Barcelona, but has never taken a trophy with Argentina.
Lionel Messi's failure to match the achievements in the Argentina jersey of Diego Maradona, who single-handedly carried the team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, has often been held against him.
Diego Maradona himself has often taken potshots at Lionel Messi, criticizing him on the eve of the tournament for a perceived "lack of personality."
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