Lionel Messi retires from international football after Argentina loses Copa final

Lionel Messi may be remembered as one of the greatest football players of his time. The number 10 has spawned countless legends and inspired millions across the world.

But it appears as though Messi - who is often compared to the likes of Maradona and Pele - can no longer bear the pain of being a star player who has failed to win a major final for his home country, Argentina.

Argentina lost 2-4 to Chile in the Copa America 2016 finals on 26 June. In a post-match conference, Lionel Messi announced his decision to retire from international football.

"Tough to make analysis. I thought about it in the locker room and think national team career is over for me. This is not for me," the Indian Express quoted Messi as saying.

Defending champions Chile played a hard fought match against Argentina in the finals. However, the game ended with a goal-less draw and went on to penalties, where Chile beat Argentina 4-2.

The Barcelona star was left devastated as he missed a penalty, wiping out Argentina's chance to claim the title yet again. Argentina has previously lost three major tournament finals - the 2014 World Cup and the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016.

Messi's Argentine teammate Javier Mascherano has also announced his retirement from international football.