Lionel Messi was reportedly heard repeating the phrase "the best but not the champion" after Argentina's defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, according to former FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for the Brazil tournament after starring in his side's route to the Rio De Janeiro showpiece.
Despite scoring four goals during the competition, the Barcelona striker wasn't able to help his side lift the trophy as Mario Gotze's extra-time goal secured a 1-0 win for Joachim Loew's side.
And although the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was named the tournament's best player, Blatter said that claiming accolade immediately after the final seemed to do little to make up for his disappointment at missing out on the main prize with his team.
"Messi was talking to himself," Blatter told Argentine publication La Nacion (per Goal ).
"He said to himself over and over again: 'The best but not the champion.'"
Although his time with Barcelona has brought a number of trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, Messi has struggled to replicate that success with Argentina on the international stage.
Despite winning a gold medal with his country at the 2008 Olympic Games, he is yet to win a major international trophy after several disappointments in the Copa America.
The most recent edition of the tournament - in 2016 - saw Argentina lose on penalties to Chile, with Messi missing his spot kick and later announcing his international retirement - only to return two months later.
However, Messi is hoping to end his duck at this year's competition, which starts in Brazil on Saturday.
Argentina open their campaign against Colombia on June 15 before games against Paraguay and Qatar to close out their group.
