A deflated and defeated Lionel Messi has retired from international competition.
"For me, the national team is over," he said Sunday after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa America final. "I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion."
For the second straight year, Chile defeated Argentina on penalty kicks to claim the Copa crown. Messi, arguably the best player in the world, missed his penalty kick to open the door for Chile.
The 29-year-old has only one international honor as he played for the 2008 Olympic winning squad. He also has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Barcelona.
"It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over," he told reporters Sunday night. "I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone."
He scored five goals in this year's Copa tournament and retires as his country's all-time leading scorer with 55 goals.
