Messi officially ends his Argentine national team career; fans across the country express their heartfelt gratitude.

Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine football star, officially announced his retirement from the Argentine national team in a handwritten letter posted on social media. This decision marks the end of an era and has plunged the entire nation of Argentina into a state of profound sadness and nostalgia.

In his handwritten letter, Messi confessed, "This was a painful decision to make, and it still hurts now." But he understood that the time to leave had come. In the letter, he expressed that he had given his all for the national team over the years and had now given nothing more.

Earlier, after the World Cup final, coach Scaloni choked up and left the press conference early, foreshadowing the end of this glorious eight-year journey. However, Messi has not completely left football; he will continue to play for clubs, and this is merely his farewell to his time with the Argentine national team.

After the news was announced, teammates expressed their respect. Romero said that the moment had finally arrived; Lo Celso thanked Messi for the guidance and learning he received over the past nine years; and the younger generation's Nico Paz said that he had watched Messi play since he was a child and never dared to dream of playing alongside his idol.

In the streets and alleys of Argentina, a similar sense of loss is spreading. At voicemail stations set up in Buenos Aires, passersby spontaneously lined up to share their feelings. An 86-year-old man emotionally told the microphone that Messi had brought him the most joy of his life, and that this memory would remain in his heart until the end.

For nearly half a century, Argentine fans have grown accustomed to having leaders on the field carrying the hopes of the nation. Now, as the time for farewell arrives, there is no criticism from all sectors of Argentine society, only sincere acceptance and gratitude.

Image source: Internet/BBC official website