EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 26: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts after missing a penalty kick against Chile during the Copa America Centenario Championship match at MetLife Stadium on June 26, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile on Sunday in a penalty shootout, and it especially left Lionel Messi heartbroken after the superstar missed badly on a penalty kick.

Well, Messi said on Argentine television after the loss that he’s retiring from international play:

“The national team is over for me,” he told the Argentine network TyC Sports after Chile beat Argentina for the Copa America title Sunday night. “It’s been four finals, it’s not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.”

Messi isn’t exactly old at 29 and is still the world’s best player. Heck, he scored a second-half hat trick just two weeks ago against Panama in the Copa America. There would seem to be a very good chance that this is just the five-time FIFA Player of the Year being very emotional and frustrated, and making some comments in the heat of the moment.

Let’s hope that’s the case. The Argentina national team and their fans especially hope that’s the case.

[AP]

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

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