Lionel Messi is planning to retire from international soccer after Argentina's loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final.
The match finished without goals and went to a penalty shootout. Messi sent his shot off the mark as Chile topped La Albiceleste 4-2 from the spot. Argentina also fell to Chile in penalties in the 2015 Copa America and lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final. Messi also was part of the 2007 Argentina side that lost to Brazil in the final. After the latest defeat, a frustrated Messi told reporters that he is finished with the national team.
“The national team is over for me. That’s four finals (lost,) it's not for me" Messi sadi after the match. "It’s a made decision, I think."
AHORA: Messi: "Se terminó para mí la Selección" https://t.co/Nws9kiScoV
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Messi has been locked in a dispute with officials at the Argentine Football Association, taking his frustrating to social media prior to the final. But his own performance in Sunday's final also seemed to be weighing on him after the contest.
"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"
Argentina's next matches are in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification with the 2018 World Cup in Russia looming. Gerardo Martino's men sit third after six matches played.
- Goal