Messi 'done playing with national team' after another crushing loss

Lionel Messi's patience has been tested on the international scene.

Speaking after he sent a penalty kick into orbit that paved the way for Chile to defeat Argentina in the final of the Copa America Centenario, Messi, visibly distraught, admitted that he is seriously contemplating his future with La Albiceleste in the immediate aftermath of the heartbreaking loss.

Related: Chile defeats Argentina on penalties again, wins Copa America Centenario

"My thinking right now and thinking about it in the locker room, I'm done playing with the national team," he told a group of reporters.

"I tried my hardest. It's been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible," the 29-year-old added. "It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen."

When asked if he would play for Argentina again, Messi said: "I don't think so. I've thought about it. Like I said earlier, I tried everything possible to win. And that's it. It's four finals lost."

The final of the Copa America Centenario marked the second year in a row that Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the final of the Copa America, as last year's tournament saw Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega miss from 12 yards out despite Messi beating Claudio Bravo with La Albiceleste's first shot in the shootout.

Prior to last year's Copa America, Argentina fell to Germany in extra time in the final of the 2014 World Cup, and Messi was also part of La Albiceste's squad at the 2007 Copa America, which saw the team lose to Brazil in the final.

Sergio Romero was quick to downplay Messi's words, saying: "I think Leo was talking in the heat of the moment, because a beautiful opportunity escaped us."

Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, suggested that no one was more distressed than Messi after Argentina lost the final of the Copa America Centenario, saying: "Unfortunately the most f---ed up is Leo because of the penalty. It's the worst I've ever seen him in the dressing room."

Argentina's trophy drought stands at 23 years and counting, as La Albiceleste's last international prize came at the 1993 Copa America.