Lionel Messi to retire from international football

The Barcelona star missed a penalty in the Copa America final shootout in his 112th appearance for La Albiceleste.

Lionel Messi has stunned the footballing world by announcing that he is to quit international football following Argentina's penalty shootout loss to Chile in the Copa America final.

The 29-year-old missed his spot-kick in the shootout as Argentina lost their third major final in three years, following last year's Copa America final and the 2014 World Cup final.

"It's tough, it's not the time for analysis," Messi said. "In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it's not for me.

"That's the way I feel right now, it's a huge sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important.

"I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina. But it didn't happen. I couldn't do it."

"There are four finals, not for me, unfortunately, it was what I wanted. More than ever I wanted to win at least this cup but (it) could not be.

"It's very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.

"I tried many times to get a title and failed."

Sergio Aguero, Messi's best friend on the team, said he had never seen the mood in the dressing room so low, while Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero is hopeful that Messi may rethink his decision.

Following the game, Messi confirmed the news on Argentina's Twitter account.

Messi hangs up his international boots as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 55 times for his country, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta last week.

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