I can't imagine a national team without Messi –Romero

Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero says he has never seen Lionel Messi as upset as he was after Argentina's Copa America final defeat by Chile.

The world's best player missed his spot-kick in the penalty shootout as La Albiceleste lost their third major final in three years.

Argentina were second best against Germany in the 2014 World Cup, against Chile in the 2015 Copa America and were beaten again by Alexis Sanchez and Co last night.

Manchester City star Aguero, who has played with Messi in the national team for a decade, said the Barcelona forward was at his lowest ebb after the final whistle.

"We are all… we are trying to think about other things and continue on forward," said Aguero.

"But it's hard. Once again luck has gone against us.

"Unfortunately, the most broken one is Messi for his missed penalty. It is the worst I have ever seen him in the dressing rooms after a game."

And indeed the frustration proved too much for Messi, who announced his retirement from international football.

"It's tough, it's not the time for analysis," Messi said. "In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it's not for me.

"That's the way I feel right now, it's a huge sadness once again and I missed the penalty that was so important.

"I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina. But it didn't happen. I couldn't do it."

Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero, however, said he still retained hope that Messi would change his mind.

"I think Leo spoke in the heat of the moment because we missed that great chance," said Romero.

"I can't imagine a national team without Messi. I think he'll reflect [on the decision]."