Lionel Messi has admitted that losing the Copa America final with Argentina was "painful".

Messi and his international teammates were beaten by hosts Chile via a penalty shootout on Sunday following a goalless 120 minutes in Santiago.

Despite winning numerous trophies at club level for Barcelona, the 28-year-old has not picked up any silverware with Argentina.

"There's nothing more painful in football than losing a final," he wrote on his official Facebook page. "But I don't want to leave it any longer to say thank you to everyone who has always supported us and continued to during the tough moments."

Messi has scored 46 goals in 103 appearances for Argentina.

Written by
Jack Prescott