The ups and downs of Messi's international career

Despite a glittering career that saw him being named FIFA World Player of the Year on no fewer than five occasions, Messi has faced persistent sniping from critics in Argentina.

Photo: Reuters

Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football after Argentina crashed to defeat against Chile in the Copa America Centenario final.

A crestfallen Messi confirmed his decision to quit after yet another agonising near-miss with Argentina, who have now lost three major tournament finals in a row since 2014.

Messi, who turned 29 on Friday, won under-20 and Olympic (under-23) titles with Argentina. He has led Barcelona to four Champions League and eight Spanish league titles, scoring 453 competitive goals in 531 games, including a La Liga-record 312.

Despite a glittering career that has seen him being named FIFA World Player of the Year on no fewer than five occasions, Messi has faced persistent sniping from critics in Argentina.

Yet he received support on Sunday from Chile's victorious Argentine coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who maintained that Messi deserves to be regarded as the best ever.

A quick look at his international career: