Reaction in Spain to the decision of Leo Messi to retire from international football ranged from delight in Barcelona to sadness in the rest of the country.

"Messi has won everything with Barcelona" said Diario Sport columnist Lluis Mascaro under the headline: "Messi has seen the light - Argentina will never be Barcelona."

Barcelona have thrived with Messi in the team, winning 28 trophies including eight leagues, four Champions Leagues and three World Club Cups.

Seeing him win titles with Barcelona has only made it more difficult for Argentine supporters to understand the national side's failing with him in the team.

But Argentina's loss continues to be Barcelona's gain and Sport continued: "He is abandoning the Argentina team to concentrate on what really makes him happy which is winning trophies with Barcelona."

The fact that he will now be able to focus all his attention on winning with his club team will be bad news for Real Madrid, and the capital-based press reacted differently to his decision.

Marca preferred to focus on a Twitter campaign #NoTeVayasLeo (Don't go Leo) which was gathering pace today as supporters woke up to the reality that their best player had called time on his international career.

That was not the only internet campaign running in the aftermath of another big tournament final defeat. Many supporters were urging Gerardo Martino be replaced by Diego Simeone as coach.

The current Argentina coach is due to meet with the Argentine Football Association on Tuesday to plan for Rio 2016.

But if he does leave his post after the Olympics, the first job of his replacement will be to stop an exodus of top stars.

Messi was not the only player planning to walk away after the defeat on penalties to Chile.

Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero were all considering their international futures.

Aguero said on Sunday night: "There are various players from the squad considering not continuing. We are sad for Leo. He did everything he could to give us victory. He will go on being the best there is."

- dpa