Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina duty, citing that he has ‘nothing left to give’.
The 39-year-old bows out having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for his country – which included captaining them to 2022 World Cup glory in Qatar.
Messi’s is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
His final game for his country ended in disappointment though as he and his team-mates were thoroughly outclassed by Spain at this summer’s World Cup final before losing 1-0 after extra-time.
Earlier this month, the iconic forward hinted at retiring due to the passing of his father Jorge and following Monday’s news he admitted he was ‘even more convinced than before’ about his decision.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina retirement statement
Taking to Instagram to reveal the news, Messi wrote: ‘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, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, continued: ‘Thank you for all the love during these 20 years.
‘I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.
‘Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey.
‘Thank you to every coach, team-mate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
‘I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!
‘Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!’
The Rosario-born star added: ‘I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final.
‘Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.’
