Messi Quits International Football

Lionel Messi on Monday, 27th June announced his retirement from international duty after missing in a penalty shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years.
      
"It's not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion", The 29 year old said after the defeat by Chile at the Copa America.Sunday's copa America final.With Barcelona, Messi has won eight la liga trophies and four Champions League. But his only major international trophy was in 2008 Olympic gold. The 29 year old was making his 112th appearance for Argentina since making his debut in 2005.Argentina were defeated 1-0 in 2014 world cup by Germany before two Copa America final defeats by Chile on penalties. Messi was also on the losing side against Brazil in the 2007 Copa America.              
    
Messi had scored five times at the tournament, including a superb free-kick in the semi final against hosts the USA to become his country's record scorer with 55 goals. Argentina and Manchester city goalkeeper Sergio Romero said he hoped Messi would "reflect" on his decision and reconsider, adding: I think he spoke while he was heated, because a beautiful opportunity escape us. I can't imagine a natural team without Messi.". Manchester city forward Sergio Arguero describe the mood in the Argentina dressing room as “the worst I've ever been in”, and he also said "there are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team"

Lionel Messi on Monday, 27th June announced his retirement from international duty after missing in a penalty shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years.

Messi's miss was Argentina's first trial in the shootout and it ballooned over the bar after Romero had denied Chile's Arturo Vidal. Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005, going on to make 113 appearances.  
         
For Barca, he has netted 453 times in 531 games, including a la liga record 312 goals. He has won the Balloon d'or award for the world best player five times. In 2014 he was named the best player at the world cup with, then -fifa president Sepp Blatter saying he was "a little bit surprised" and Argentina legend Diego Maradona calling the decision unfair.