New Delhi, June 27: Star footballer Lionel Messi shocked one and all after announcing his sensational retirement from international football after Argentina suffered defeat against Chile in the Copa America final.

The heartbroken Barcelona superstar, who was under extreme pressure to win the title for his country, was distraught after missing a spot-kick as Chile snatched victory in a penalty shoot-out.

This was Messi's fourth straight defeat in a major final while representing Argentina which forced him to make dramatic annoncement.

Messi represented Argentina in three Copa America finals i.e. 2007, 2015 and 2016 and also played the 2014 World Cup final, but ended up on the losing side every time.

Here is what the 29-year-old, hailed as greatest player of his generation, had to say:

"For me the national team is over," the crestfallen 29-year-old told reporters after ending up a runners-up in Copa final.

"It's tough, it's not the time for analysis," he said. "In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it's not for me.

"That's the way I feel right now, it's a huge sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important.

"I've done all I can, I've been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion. It's a hard moment for me and the team, and it's difficult to say, but it's over with the Argentina team."

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)