Argentine and Barcelona Star Lionel Messi has retired from International football after his country lost to Chile in Copa America finals.
The 29-year-old said in tears after Chile defeat:
“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”.
His latest announcement means that his services will only be attached to Barcelona, which he has helped to win several domestic and international trophies.
Argentina has lost three consecutive finals; world cup, and Copa America. Failure by the 4 times world player of the year to help his country win a major trophy has drawn fierce criticism, prompting him to hang the boots.
Messi had scored five times at the tournament, including a superb free-kick in the semi-final against hosts the USA to become his country’s record scorer with 55 goals.
For Barca he has scored 453 times in 531 games, including a La Liga record 312 goals. He has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player five times.