Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his historic career with the Argentina national team.

The Argentina captain confirmed his decision in an emotional statement, saying he had spent considerable time considering his future after the team’s latest final. Messi described the decision as difficult and painful but said he believes the time is right to step away from international football.


“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here” Messi wrote in an emotional statement.

In the statement Messi also thanked Argentina supporters for their unwavering support throughout his 20-year international career, saying he will now cheer for the team from outside. He also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates and directors for standing by him throughout his journey.

Messi said he leaves international football with peace and pride after achieving dreams with his teammates. He revealed that he had written his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the final. He added that recent events involving his father had made him even more certain about his decision to retire.

Messi leaves behind a remarkable legacy with Argentina, having established himself as one of the greatest players in international football history.