Lionel Messi says “It hurts not to be a champion” after Argentina lost to Chile 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the Copa America final.

The 29-year-old announced his retirement from international duty after missing in a penalty shootout as the Argentinians lost a fourth major final in nine years.

“For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion,” the Argentinian captain said on BBC.

He side it has been four finals, saying he had tried to win the title but to no avail.

“It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.

“It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back,” he maintained.

Messi has played 113 times and scored 55 goals since his debut for Argentina in 2005 while he has an Olympic gold at the 2008 Games as his only major international honour.