Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football

Lionel Messi had a chance to earn Argentina's first major title in 23 years when they took on Chile in the Copa America final (Image credit: All AFP images)

It was a hard fought match where Lionel Messi was always being tracked by the Chilean defenders

After a tough 90 minutes, the scoreboard read 0-0; meaning the contest entered into extra-time

Extra-time too ended in a goal-less draw meant the final was heading for penalties

Messi took the first penalty for Argentina and inexplicably he missed, sending the ball wide of the post

The FC Barcelona star was dejected with himself for missing that crucial shot which could have given Argentina the momentum

That miss led to Argentina's 4-2 loss in the Copa America final via penalties

Soon after, the 29-year-old announced his retirement from international football, saying he tried his best to make Argentina champions

Messi eventually concluded his illustrious career with Argentina without a major trophy but having scored 55 goals, the most for his country