Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team at the age of 39.

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi released a statement on Monday confirming the end of his 20-year international career.

The 39-year-old Messi has made 207 appearances for Argentina since August 2005, contributing 125 goals and 68 assists. As the greatest core leader of the Albiceleste in modern times, he has led the team to consecutive victories in the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 UEFA Europa League, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America.

After experiencing major life upheavals, including the World Cup final defeat and the death of his father, Messi finally made the resolute decision to retire from the Argentine national team. In his statement, he wrote: "After the final, I thought about it for a long time, and now I want to tell everyone: I am retiring from the Argentine national team..."

"This is a decision that has caused me immense pain, both in the past and now, but I know it's time to move on. I assure you all that I will always give my all. Not just in these years of achieving honors, but always before this. I have given my all for this jersey, just to bring you joy and to make you proud to be Argentinian because of football."

"Life's stages always come to an end, and this farewell is truly difficult for me. I have loved wearing the national team jersey, I love it now, and I will always love it. I have given my all, and there is nothing more I can give. Moreover, a large number of talented young players have emerged, and they deserve their opportunities."

"Thank you for all the love you've given me over the past twenty years. I will especially miss hearing your cheers in the stadium. From now on, I will be just like you, an ordinary fan, and I will support and stand by the national team no matter what."

"Thank you to my family for staying by my side and accompanying me through this wonderful yet incredibly difficult journey. Thank you to all the coaches, teammates, and staff I've worked with. I've gained memories I'll never forget."

"I bid farewell with composure and with great pride, having shared those dream-fulfilling moments with my teammates. It feels like a dream to have experienced all of this with you all."

"I love you all! Thank God I am Argentinian. Go Argentina!"

"*This was written on July 21, two days after the final. Now, after what happened to my father, I am more certain of this decision than ever before."

Image source: Internet