Chile stunned Argentina to win the Copa America Centenario in a penalty shootout as Messi's title curse struck again.
Messi, a five-time FIFA player of the year, winner of four Champions League titles and eight Spanish La Liga crowns with Barcelona, was crushed. Much of his nation had counted on him to bring home its first major title since 1993.
Playing two days after his 29th birthday, Messi lost a final for the third year in a row and the fourth time overall with Argentina.
A crowd of 82,076 filled MetLife Stadium the largest to see a soccer game in New Jersey and many wore his No. 10 jersey in Argentina’s blue and white and Barcelona’s navy and red.
"For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion," the 29-year-old Barcelona superstar told reporters after his fourth defeat in a major final with Argentina. (The Hindu)