They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. The one above tells you everything that you need to know about last night’s Copa America final as Chile defended their title against Argentina.
It was more international heartbreak for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who blazed a penalty over the crossbar as his nation lost the shootout after a goalless 120 minutes in New Jersey.
SEE MORE: Lionel Messi penalty: Barcelona superstar misses pen with last act in Argentina shirt
It was a fourth major international final defeat for Messi in nine years, and this latest setback forced Messi into the decision to retire from international football after 55 goals in 113 caps.
The 29-year-old was clearly devastated at the final whistle, as the below video shows.
Lionel Messi was visibly distraught after defeat to Chile in #CopaAmerica final pic.twitter.com/o0aowrLtlP
— The Sun Football (@TheSunFootball) June 27, 2016
“It’s not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I’ve done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion,” Messi is quoted by BBC Sport as saying.
“It’s been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.
“I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, and then for everyone. I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.
“It’s very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back.”
But it was jubilation for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, who was named player of the tournament after helping Chile win successive Copa America titles for the first time in their history.
And that is the story behind the picture of the top of this article…
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