Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina team: “I have emptied myself, I have nothing left to give”

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team, closing a two-decade international career crowned by a World Cup title and two Copa América championships.

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It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come.

In a public letter, the Argentina captain described the decision as painful but necessary. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote in a message published on Instagram.

The Rosario-born forward said he had always given everything to the national team, not only during the years when Argentina won its major titles. “I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” he said. Messi added that he had fought for the shirt and wanted to give Argentines reasons to feel proud through football.

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I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too.

Messi also acknowledged the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level. “I love, loved and will always love being with the national team. I have emptied myself, I have nothing left to give,” he wrote.

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I love, loved and will always love being with the national team. I have emptied myself, I have nothing left to give.