Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday, writes Reuters.

The record eight-times Ballon d`Or winner is his country’s record appearance-maker and scorer with 125 goals in 207 games, having transformed a complicated relationship with the national team into a story of redemption and triumph.

“It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my ⁠all - not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football. “Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you - alongside my teammates - moments we once only dreamed of`, - the 39-year-old Messi wrote on Instagram.