In 2016, a devastated Lionel Messi stunned the world by quitting international football. Following a crushing penalty shootout loss against Chile in the Copa América final, the Argentine captain wept openly.

Declaring his national team career over, Messi admitted the constant final defeats had become unbearable. Though he eventually reversed his decision, that emotional night remains a defining, heartbreaking sporting moment.

Declaring his national team career over, Messi admitted the constant final defeats had become unbearable. Though he eventually reversed his decision, that emotional night remains a defining, heartbreaking sporting moment.