A distraught Lionel Messi announced that he retires from playing for Argentina's national team moments after their defeat in the Copa America final.
Read: Messi Misses Penalty As Chile Beat Argentina In Copa Final
Argentina lost their seventh major final in a row after being beaten 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Chile.
Messi, who missed the first the spot-kick for his country, appeared a broken man after the game, and announced his retirement on national television.
"That's it. The national team is over for me," he told Argentine sports TV channel TyC Sports after the game.
"It hurts me more than anyone not to be able to win a title with Argentina, but that's how it is. It didn't happen, and unfortunately I leave without achieving it."
It was Messi's fourth final defeat with Argentina – he was on the losing side in the 2007 Copa America, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 Copa America deciders too.
"It's four finals already, it's not for me," Messi added.
"Unfortunately, I worked for it. It was the thing I wanted the most. It couldn't be, but that's it."
When asked if his decision was final, Messi responded: "I think so. That is what I feel right now, it's what I think."
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Messi became Argentina's all-time record goalscorer after netting in the semi-final against USA. Overall, he has scored 55 goals in 113 games for the Albiceleste.
Do you think Messi will really retire from Argentina duty, despite being just 29 years old? Have your say in the comments section below.
