Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.|| PHOTOS

Lionel Messi retires from international football after Argentina lose Copa America final on penalties

 

The Barcelona star brought his Argentina career to a close after missing a penalty in a shoot-out as Chile won the Copa America final.

It means one of the greatest stars to ever play the game will finish without winning a major trophy with his country

Following the defeat at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Messi admitted he had decided not to carry on after failing to win in four finals for Argentina.

A five-time Ballon d'Or and four-time Champions League winner, Messi has wowed football fans the world over with his electric performances for club side Barca.

But a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics remains his only honour won in the famous La Albiceleste shirt.

The 29-year-old told Argentinian TV network TyC Sports: "I think it's best for everyone, for me and for many people who want it. The choice for me is over, it is a decision. I tried many times [to be champion] but did not."

 

Messi had become Argentina's all-time top scorer with 55 goals earlier in the tournament in the United States, but final heartache was followed by his post-match announcement.

Having lost Copa America finals in 2007, 2015 and 2016 and the World Cup final in 2014 Messi has turned his back on the international game.

He added: "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."

Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties as Chile retained the title following a game which had ended 0-0 after extra time.

 

In a repeat of last year's final when Chile also won on spot-kicks, both teams finished with ten men in a bad-tempered clash as Argentina and Manchester United full-back Marcos Rojo and Chile's Marcelo Diaz saw red in the first half.

Messi and Lucas Biglia missed penalties for Argentina in the shoot-out to hand Chile their second Copa America title in a special tournament which was played to celebrate the competition's centenary.
Messi blasted high and wide and Claudio Bravo saved Biglia's kick leaving Francisco Silva to fire home the winning penalty and give Chile a second straight title.
Away from international football Messi has had a glittering career with Barcelona, who he joined at the age of 13 from Newell's Old Boys.
He has won the Champions League four times, Spain's Primera Division on eight occasions and four Copa del Rey crowns.