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Messi Missed: Lionel Messi to retire from Argentina

By Alex Butler
Argentina Lionel Messi sits on the field for the trophy ceremony after the game against Chile at the Copa America Centenario USA 2016 Finals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 26, 2016. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks and won there second consecutive Copa America. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
1 of 5 | Argentina Lionel Messi sits on the field for the trophy ceremony after the game against Chile at the Copa America Centenario USA 2016 Finals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 26, 2016. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks and won there second consecutive Copa America. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., June 27 (UPI) -- Following four lost finals, Lionel Messi is calling it quits from Argentina's national soccer team.

Messi, widely considered the best player in the world, had sensational goals throughout the Copa America Centenario, but could not help La Albiceleste overcome Chile in the final.

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After Argentina fell 4-2 in penalty kicks at MetLife Stadium Sunday, Messi sat dejected on the pitch. The captain had missed his chance in more ways than one, with a misfired spot-kick wide-right and another missed chance at international tournament glory.

Now Argentina fans will miss the man who has the most goals in the country's history.

"I tried my hardest. It's been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen," Messi said after the match.

"My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I'm done playing with the national team," Messi told reporters after the game.

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When pressed about the decision, Messi continued his thoughts.

"I don't think so," he said. "I've thought about it. Like I said earlier, I tried everything possible to win. And that's it. It's four finals lost."

Argentina's Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano, and Lucas Biglia also plan to retire, according to ESPN's Diego Monroig.

Messi's teammates told reporters that he was the most [messed] up in the locker room "because of the penalty."

Corruption in the AFA could also be playing into Messi's decision. FIFA snatched control of the Argentina Football Association Friday.

Messi, 29, has now been the loser of three Copa America Finals and the 2014 World Cup Final.

Still, some analysts speculate that this isn't an international end for the superstar. USA Today's Martin Rogers wrote: "Don't be surprised if Lionel Messi's international retirement is temporary."

"Messi is not the kind of character to give up on a dream, however much pain falls at his feet and when a few more tears have been shed and the dust of the Copa disaster settles, a new reality may set in," Rogers wrote.

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"He will surely be back, not because soccer needs him and craves his presence at events like the 2018 World Cup. No, it will be because he will find he needs this."

Deadspin's Barry Petchesky also explained: "Why Lionel Messi's retirement is probably just a threat."

Messi has 55 goals in 113 international appearances.

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