Following Argentina's loss to Chile in the Copa America finals at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday night, Lionel Messi shockingly announced that he's done with international football.
The Barcelona forward, who was visibly upset after Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile after a goalless draw, announced during a post-match interview that he might not be playing for the national team again after missing a penalty and losing his fourth major finals with the Albiceleste.
"It's not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion," the 29-year-old said, according to BBC News. "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."
He added that he was extremely sad that his side failed to win another significant game, especially after he missed a penalty in the shootout.
Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the Copa America Centenario for the second time in two years. The team also suffered defeat at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, which followed the side's loss to Brazil in the Copa America final.
Messi, who made his international debut for Argentina in 2005, went on to become the side's all-time leading goal scorer with 55 goals in 113 appearances.
Following Messi's announcement, teammates Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia, are reportedly planning to retire. In addition, Ever Banega, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain are also mulling over ending their international careers, according to multiple sources.
Aguero told reporters that the team is incredibly sad after the loss and the atmosphere in the dressing room is the worst he's seen in his entire career. The Manchester City striker added that several players are contemplating whether or not to continue with the national team.