Lionel Messi has retired from international football with Argentina and claimed that his decision is the best for everyone.

Argentina failed to win the Copa America as they lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile in the final on Sunday, after a 0-0 draw in normal time. Messi missed a spot-kick in the penalty shootout, along with Lucas Biglia, as the Chileans won the 45th edition of the Copa America.




Goalkeeper Sergio Romero had already saved Arturo Vidal’s spot-kick, which was Chile’s first, but Messi’s penalty flew over the bar.

A win would have meant that the Argentines and Messi himself would have won their first trophy since the 2008 Olympic Games, where they won Gold.
 


The 29-year-old has claimed that his decision to retire from the international side is the best for everyone.

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He was quoted as saying by the BBC:"I think this is best for everyone.

“First of all for me, and 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."

Messi has appeared 113 times for Argentina since making his debut in 2005.

For Barcelona, Messi has won four Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles, but has won only a single accolade for the Argentina national team.

Messi racked up five goals during the Copa America, which usually takes place after every four years. However, this year's edition was held in the United States for its centenary.