Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team after a 20-year international career, saying he has “nothing more to give.”
The 39-year-old captain made the announcement in an emotional message posted on Instagram on Monday, saying he had initially reached the decision shortly after the final but became more convinced following the death of his father.
Messi said the decision was painful but believed it was the right time to bring his international career to an end.
“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,” he said.
The veteran forward reflected on his years with Argentina, including the difficult period before the team’s major successes, insisting that he always gave his best for the national colours.
Messi also pointed to the emergence of younger players who, he said, deserved opportunities to represent the national team.
He thanked Argentina supporters, his family, coaches, teammates and officials for their support throughout his career, saying he was leaving with “peace and pride”.
“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,” he said.
Messi said he would continue to support Argentina even after his retirement and ended his message by thanking God for making him Argentine.
“Vamos Argentina!” he concluded.