Lionel Messi retires from Argentina after Copa America final loss to Chile
Lionel Messi, the Barcelona star, on 26 June 2016 announced his plans to retirement from international football.
• The announcement from the foot balling great of his generation came just hours after he missed the penalty in the Copa America final. His team, Argentina, faced a defeat from Chile in Copa America final at New Jersey in the US.
• Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile after a 0-0 draw in MetLife Stadium.
• The 29-year-old has played four finals for his Argentina that includes the 2014 World Cup final and three Copa America finals.
• He made his senior international debut in 2005, is his country's all-time top scorer, with 55 goals from 113 appearances.
• An Argentine professional footballer plays as a forward for Spanish club Barcelona.
• He is the only footballer in the history to win five FIFA Ballons d'Or, four of which he won consecutively
• He is the first player to win three European Golden Shoes.
• With Barcelona he has won eight La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles, as well as four Copas del Rey.
• His major honour with Argentina is the 2008 Olympic gold.
• Messi is the winner of four Champions League titles and eight Spanish La Liga crowns with Barcelona.