Lionel Messi Says He Is Quitting International Play: "The National Team Is Over For Me"

Lionel Messi told TV reporters after Argentina’s Copa América final loss to Chile that it would be his final appearance for his nation, retiring from international play due to what sounds like his frustration at the inability to ever lead his squad to a trophy.

That team, currently at the top of FIFA’s rankings, has finished as runner-up in its last three major international tournaments. “It is a great sadness,” the world’s greatest living player stated, mentioning his miss in the Copa América final’s penalty shootout as a factor in his decision.

[ TYC Sports]