ON THIS DAY: Messi retires from international football in 2016

On this day in 2016, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost to Chile on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the Copa America final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutheford, New Jersey, USA.

It was Argentina's third defeat in as many years in a final – they lost to Germany in extra time in the 2014 World Cup and again to Chile on penalties in the Copa America the following year.

The Barcelona star, who up to that point had scored 55 goals in 113 international appearances, reversed his decision shortly after and helped Argentina to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, where the two-time world champions were defeated 4-3 by France in the round of 16.

Messi has won a FIFA Under 20 World Cup in 2005 and the 2008 Summer Olympics with the Under 23 team, but has never claimed a major trophy with the senior squad.

Image credits: AP