Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable 20-year journey in the famous blue and white jersey.

The Argentina captain made the announcement in an emotional statement, revealing that the decision had been painful but one he had come to accept after reflecting deeply on his future with the national team.

Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina, insisting that his commitment to the country went far beyond the years in which he and his teammates achieved unprecedented success.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in my soul, but I understand that this is the moment,” Messi said.

“I swear I always gave everything, not just the last few years when everything was won, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, for giving them joy and making them proud to be Argentinians through football.”

The 39-year-old forward said he believes the time has come for a new generation of Argentine players to take over, acknowledging the emergence of young talents who deserve opportunities with the national team.

“There is little left and chapters are closing, and this one hurts me a lot,” he said. “I loved, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I emptied myself, I no longer have anything more to give, and besides, there are very great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

Messi also expressed gratitude to Argentines for their support throughout his two decades with the national team, saying he would now support the side from outside the dressing room.

“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing from you from the inside a lot. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside,” he added.

The football icon thanked his family, coaches, teammates and officials who accompanied him throughout his international career, describing the journey as beautiful but difficult.

“I am leaving with the peace and pride of having given them, together with my teammates, dream moments. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you!” Messi wrote.

He concluded his emotional message with a tribute to his country and faith, writing: “Thank you God for making me Argentine. Go Argentina!”

Messi revealed that he had originally written the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but chose to share it after further reflection.

He added that the situation surrounding his father had strengthened his conviction about the decision.

“Today, after what happened to my dad, I am more convinced than before,” Messi said.

Messi’s international career has been one of the most decorated in football history. With Argentina, he won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, while also helping the country to the 2022 Finalissima title.

His departure marks the end of an extraordinary era for Argentina, which transformed from years of near misses into one of the most successful national teams of the modern era under his leadership.