Messi quits playing for Argentina after losing Copa America to Chile on penalties 2-4

Argentina's Lionel Messi waits to receive the second place medal during the Copa America Centenario awards ceremony in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016.  / AFP / Nicholas Kamm        (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi waits to receive the second place medal during the Copa America Centenario awards ceremony in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016.  NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

Barcelona star Lionel Messi might never play for Argentina again, after Sunday night’s Copa America final loss to Chile.

Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile after a 0-0 draw in MetLife Stadium, and an emotional Messi said after the match that his career with the national team is over.

“My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I’m done playing with the national team,” he told a group of reporters, including ESPN’s Diego Monroig.

Asked if he were retiring, the 29-year old said, “I tried my hardest. It’s been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen.”

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