Argentina legend Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

The Argentina great, who captained his country to World Cup glory in 2022, scored 125 goals in 207 appearances and is his country's all-time scorer and most-capped player.

Messi was in tears following his country's World Cup final loss to Spain in the United States this summer and has released an emotional message on social media.

Lionel Messi announces international retirement on Instagram

Forty-three days have passed since Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final, with many wondering if Messi would ever play for his country again.

Now, we have the answer as the 39-year-old has taken to social media to announce his retirement from the international stage.

Underneath an image that shows three pages of handwritten letters by the forward, he posted the following statement.

"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team," he said

"It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all—not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad—especially the bad)."

Messi went on to thank his family and God before stating that he wrote these words on July 21, just two days after the World Cup final, with his decision even more convincing following his father's passing.

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