Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football here on Sunday after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America.

“For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion,” the 29-year-old Barcelona superstar told reporters after his fourth defeat in a major final with Argentina.

“It is difficult; the time is hard for any analysis. In the dressing room I thought the national team was over for me, it is not for me,” Messi said.

The giant Argentines lost to Chile in the penalty shootout by 4-2 for the second straight year in Copa America final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday

For Messi, it would be rare to see someone at his age and elite level step away from the international game. It would be a great shame to lose the best player in the world, especially at 29. He’s still got plenty of time to chase his coveted trophy.

This shocking retirement of Messi is something which will definitely take some time to digest for the fans and for the scorer world, and numbers will be very small to describe the greatness of this men.

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