Football icon, Lionel Messi has announced he will be retiring from international football. This decision came after a 4-2 penalty defeat from Chile at the Copa America 2016 finals played this morning.

The 29 year old Argentina forward and Barcelona play-maker expressed his decision after an open display of sadness coming after Argentina’s tragic defeat. This is the fourth time the nation would lose in a final of a major tournament in nine years, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

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The penalty kick that made Messi retire. (Photo: AP)

 

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Messi could not believe his miss

 

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Messi has failed to get his hands on an International Cup in nine years (Photo: Getty)

 

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The sad Barcelona forward removes his silver medal. (Photo: AP)

The five-time Ballon d’Or who made his debut for Argentina in 2005 and has played 113 times for his country said:

“It’s been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, then for everyone. I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it. It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.”

Lionel Messi’s free kick against the USA in the semi-final of the Copa America tournament made him the highest goal scorer for Argentina with 55 goals, one point above Gabriel Batistuta.

The forward’s announcement has seen reactions from all over the world as many want him to reconsider his decision.