Distraught Lionel Messi retires from international football

27 Jun 2016 1:02 PM IST

Chile defeated Argentina in penalty shootout for the second year in a row.

Lionel Messi looked utterly shattered as Argentina lost the Copa America final. (Photo: AP)
As well as sending Messi into retirement, the defeat ensured Argentina's 23-year wait for a major title continued. (Photo: AP)
Messi was shattered after missing Argentina's opening penalty in the shoot-out at MetLife Stadium after the two teams had finished extra-time deadlocked at 0-0. (Photo: AP)
A crestfallen Messi confirmed his decision to quit after yet another agonizing near-miss with Argentina, who have now lost three major tournament finals in a row since 2014. (Photo: AP)
In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it's not for me.\"I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina. Now I am leaving without having managed it.\" (Photo: AP)
\"It's tough, it's not the time for analysis,\" he said. (Photo: AP)
Messi cut a dejected figure after Argentina's trophy drought at senior level was extended to 23 years. (Photo: AP)
It was the second successive year Chile had beaten Argentina on penalties in the final. Last year's Copa America title was their first. (Photo: AP)
Messi's last act in international football was to blast his penalty over the bar against Chile. (Photo: AP)
Lionel Messi shocked the sporting fraternity after he sensationally announced retirement from international football following Argentina's defeat to Chile in Copa America final on Sunday. (Photo: AP)

Lionel Messi looked utterly shattered as Argentina lost the Copa America final. (Photo: AP)

Chile defeated Argentina in penalty shootout for the second year in a row.