Lionel Messi Retires From International Football After Copa America Disappointment [Best Tweets]

TOPSHOT - Argentina's Lionel Messi shows his dejection after being defeated by Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States, on June 26, 2016. / AFP / Nelson ALMEIDA (Photo credit should read NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from national duties as Argentina were subjected to yet another final heart-break after penalty shoot-outs did them in once more against Chile.

The historic 100th edition of the Copa America was drawn to a ceremonial close with Chile once again taking home the honours over much fancied opponents Argentina at the end of a nervy penalty shoot-out that finished 4-2 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Alexis Sanchez won the Player of the Tournament accolade while Eduardo Vargas took home the golden boot.

A tearful Messi in the dugout summed up the emotions of the Argentinians, who once again faltered at the grand finale of a major tournament, despite boasting a galaxy of stars in their line-up. The pain of losing three finals with the Albiceleste probably got to the Barcelona star, as he announced his desire to discontinue with the national team in a post match interview. Social media went wild over the news of the five time Ballon D’Or winner’s retirement which sadly overshadowed Chile’s remarkable achievement on the night.

Chile Lift Copa America For Second Time In A Row

Argentina’s final hoodoo continued to haunt them as the tournament favourites lost out to the defending champions Chile by virtue of a penalty shoot-out that ended with a scoreline of 2-4. The Albiceleste were cast as firm favourites once again, as they seamlessly cruised through the group stage and knock-out rounds, before taking to the stage against Chile in the final at MetLife stadium, in New Jersey.

At the end of an exhausting 120 goalless minutes where both the sides finished with 10 men, penalties were employed to separate the two sides. Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi both missed their respective team’s first spot-kicks before Nicholas Castillo put Chile ahead. Javier Mascherano, Charles Aranguiz, Sergio Aguero and Beausejour all converted their spot kicks, before a nervous Lucas Biglia stepped up to the box with the score reading 3-2 in favour of Chile. Biglia had his penalty saved by Claudio Bravo, as Francesco Silva scored the decisive penalty to win the Copa America for the Chileans.

Exit mobile version