Football icon Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
The 39-year-old said “it is the right moment” to call time on his career with the Albiceleste.
Messi was eligible to play for both Argentina and Spain due to his dual citizenship, but chose to represent his country of birth.
After a successful spell with the U20s, he made his debut for the senior side in 2005 at the age of 18. Messi became the youngest player to feature and score for Argentina at a World Cup when he came on and scored on his debut.
The Rosario-born forward went on to have a spectacular career at club level but initially failed to replicate that success on the international stage.
He first retired in 2016 following defeat in the 2014 World Cup final and back-to-back losses in the Copa America finals.
A passionate campaign from fans convinced Messi to reverse his decision.
His return brought new hope for the nation as Argentina went on to win the World Cup and two Copa America titles.
A bid to win back-to-back World Cup trophies came to an end in July when Argentina lost to Spain in the final.
Messi took to his social media accounts to announce his retirement.
“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” the eight-time Ballon D’or 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.
“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, teammate 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!
“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.”
Messi played 207 games and scored 125 goals for Argentina
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