Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

Lionel Messi has announced retirement from the international football after Argentina faced defeat against Chile in the Copa America Centenario final.

A crestfallen Messi confirmed his decision to quit afteryet another agonizing near-miss with Argentina, who have nowlost three major tournament finals in a row since 2014.

Watch Messi's final kick here:

Even the GOAT is human. Announcer said this was very first penalty kick missed by Lionel Messi #CopaAmericaFINAL pic.twitter.com/GfNJVpirMJ

— Modern_Rock (@modern_rock) June 27, 2016

"It's a hard moment for me and the team, and it's difficult to say, but its over with the Argentina team," said Messi tersely after the loss, when on air with a south American TV station.

Chile targeted Messi throughout the game, not allowing him to operate as per his calibre. Argentina managed to pull the game to penalty shootout. 

Under pressure Messi also missed the mark during penalty shootout and was left shattered when Chile scored the winning goal.

This was the first time ever Messi had missed a penalty shootout in his career and this came at worst time. 

Messi had made his international debut for the senior Argentina in 2005.