Nothing more painful than losing a final - Messi

Four-time World Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi, has finally broken his silence on Argentina’s defeat to Chile in the Copa America final Saturday.

Argentina were beaten 4-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

The defeat soured Messi’s otherwise perfect year, which has already seen him win the treble with Barcelona.

Commenting on his Facebook page Monday, Messi said he was deeply hurt by the loss to Chile.

The Barcelona playmaker, however, thanked supporters, whom he said continued to support the team in difficult times.

“There's nothing more painful in football than losing a final. 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,” he said.

This is the third time Messi has failed to win a major tournament with Argentina.

The team missed out on the 2007 Copa America trophy after losing to Brazil in the final.

The two-time World Champions also lost to Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup decider in Brazil.