The Argentinian skipper and Barcelona forward has announced his retirement from International football.
Lionel Messi who’s penalty miss contributed to Argentina’s loss in the Copa America final, said, “The national team is over for me. That’s four finals [lost]; it’s not for me,” Messi told reporters after losing his third final in as many years. “The decision is made, I think.”
Recall that Messi lost the world cup final to Germany in 2014, was pipped by Chile in the Copa America in 2015 and has again been thwarted by the Chileans. He was also on the team that lost the Copa America to Brazil in 2007.
Messi was clearly frustrated with the defeat and he felt badly about his miss too saying, “I feel a great sadness right now that this is happening again,” he said. “I missed my penalty, which was super important. That’s it.”
Up next for Argentina are Russia 2018 qualifiers, which Messi due to his announcement now wouldn’t be part of.