Legend Messi announces his retirement from international play with Argentina

Legendary Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team and star of Inter Miami, announced on Monday his retirement from international football, following a career brimming with achievements with his national side. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, Messi said: “After all this time since the final match, and after long reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing for the national team.” He added: “It was a painful decision, and it still hurts me deep down, but I realize the time has come. I swear to you that I have always given everything I had, not only during the recent years when we achieved everything, but also before that. I always fought and gave every ounce of my energy for this shirt, and to make you happy and proud to be Argentines through football.” He continued: “Not much is left, and the chapters are coming to an end, and this one hurts me greatly. I love, and I have loved, and I will always love my time with the national team. I have exhausted everything I had, and I no longer have more to give, especially with a group of wonderful young players who deserve their chance.” Messi went on: “Thank you for all this love over 20 years. I will miss hearing your voices from inside the stadium very much, and now I will become one of you, always cheering for and supporting the national team from the outside, in good times and bad, especially in difficult times.” He added: “Thank you to my family for always being by my side and accompanying me on this incredibly beautiful journey, despite its difficulties. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official with whom I had the privilege of sharing this journey. I will carry with me unforgettable memories and moments from this period.” The Argentina captain concluded his statement: “I leave feeling at peace and proud because, along with my teammates, I gave you moments we had long dreamed of. It was madness to live all of that with you. I love you!.. Thank God for making me Argentine... Long live Argentina!” Messi added in a note following the statement: “I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final match... and today, after what happened to my father, I am more convinced of this decision than ever.”