Sergio Aguero reveals he could follow Lionel Messi into international retirement

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has revealed he could follow Lionel Messi into international retirement. The 28-year-old striker was part of the Argentina team that lost the Copa America final to Chile on penalties and Aguero has hinted that, like Messi, he may soon quit international football.

Aguero said he was one of a number of Argentina players considering their futures in light of their heartbreaking loss in New Jersey on Sunday night (26 June). The game marked the second successive time the Argentines had lost the Copa America final to Chile on penalties, and the result quickly prompted Messi - who missed during the penalty shoot-out - to announce his intention to retire.

"The likelihood is that Messi is not the only one that will leave the national team," Aguero told Ole newspaper shortly after the Barcelona star confirmed his decision. "There are several players like me that are evaluating whether or not to continue."

Aguero replaced Gonzalo Higuain in the 70th minute of the final and was predictably distraught at Argentina's failure to end their 23-year trophy drought at international level. "One doesn't want to think about it but at times, there are things that happen and the thought (of retiring) comes into your mind," he reflected. "Afterwards, it's difficult to get it out."

Aguero admitted, too, that the loss had proven to be especially upsetting to Messi, who will now focus his attention on his club career with Barcelona.

"Unfortunately, the one that leaves most affected is Leo Messi after his penalty miss. This is the worst that I've seen him in the changing room," he said of the record-breaking Barcelona forward. "We are all affected and we will try to think about something else and move forward. Again, luck was not on our side."