Written by Igor Mello at CBSSports.com
Lionel Messi broke down in tears Sunday night as Argentina suffered another tournament heartbreak to Chile at Metlife Stadium near New York.
The lasting moment of the Copa America Centenario may be Messi missing in the penalty kick shootouts and then breaking down in tears. But now that may also be the last image of the 29-year-old superstar in an Argentina uniform.
Following the loss, Messi, in the heat of the moment, shockingly announced that he is quitting the national team.
“It is difficult, the time is hard for any analysis. In the dressing room I thought the national team was over for me, it is not for me,” Messi said, per Argentina’s social media account.
More from a dejected Messi on his way out of the stadium:
“I think it’s best for everyone, for me and for many people who want it. The national team is over for me, it’s a done decision. I tried many times [to win a title with Argentina] but did not,” Messi told Argentine sports network TyC. “It’s very difficult, but the decision has been made. I won’t try it any longer and on this there will be no going back.”
Messi, who seems both shaken and steady with this decision went on to talk about this being more bad fortune for him.
Here’s more from Messi at the mixed zone after the game, per TyC:
“I tried many times to win a title [with Argentina] and it couldn’t be done, I wished like nobody else to take the lap of honor [with Argentina] but it was denied, it has to be that way.”
“It is four finals that I’ve had to lose with the national team, the third in a row, we tried it and we searched for it and it happened,” Messi said. “It hurts me like nobody else, I leave without being able to win a title.”
This decision could also have a trickle down impact on the national team. In another slightly less shocking turn of events, it appears as if teammate Javier Mascherano is also finished.
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