In an exodus matched only by Labour’s shadow cabinet, a host of Argentinian players retired from international football yesterday after their defeat in the Copa America final on Sunday night.

Lionel Messi and Javier Macherano called it quits in the aftermath of their third final defeat in as many years, with Sergio Aguero admitting that he, along with others, will follow suit.

“There are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team,” said Aguero, with Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lucas Biglia rumoured to retire from international football over the coming days.

In total, this talented group of players failed to win anything after picking up gold medals at the 2008 Olympics.

After winning everything at club level, Messi said that winning a major tournament with Argentina “wasn’t meant to be” and that this is the best move for the national team.

“The national team is over for me,” Messi said. “It’s been four finals, it’s not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over.”

The latest defeat came on penalties after a 0-0 draw, Messi sending Argentina’s first penalty soaring over the bar.

“On top of everything, I missed the penalty kick,” Messi said. “I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me and then for everyone. I think there’s a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.”

It was the second time that Chile had bested Messi and co in successive tournaments, both times on penalties.

And after the 2007 defeat to Brazil and the 2014 World Cup defeat to Germany, Messi has had enough.

“That’s it, I’ve already tried enough,” he said. “It pains me more than anyone not being able to be a champion with Argentina, but that’s the way it is. It wasn’t meant to be, and unfortunately I leave without having achieved it.”