Lionel Messi Is Done With International Soccer Competitions

Lionel Messi is one of soccer's great — if not the world's greatest. Unfortunately, the sport suffered a major blow on Monday when the Argentinian striker announced his retirement from international competition.

Messi and Argentina's national team lost to Chile's national team on Sunday. The 2 were battling for the Copa America final, the American continent's equivalent to the Euro Cup.

Messi failed to score during a shootout, and his team lost 4–2 after penalty kicks. The two teams played to a 0–0 draw during regulation time.

When Messi isn't competing for Argentina's national team, he is a striker for FC Barcelona. He has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues for the European club — and boasts just a 2008 Olympic gold medal when he represented his home country.

"It's not meant for me," Business Insider quoted Messi as saying after the match. "For me the national team is over. I've done all I can — it hurts not to be a champion. 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."

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Lionel Messi Is Done With International Soccer Competitions