Argentina star, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.
Messi, 39, has made this announcement, bringing an end to a 21 year career, with his last appearance coming in his country's defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final this summer. He had previously hinted that he had planned to retire, in the wake of his father's death a few weeks ago.
Having made his international debut when he was 18, Messi scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina. He had initially retired from international football in 2016, following Argentina's defeat to Chile in the Copa America final.
However, following a huge campaign from fans, Messi changed his mind and returned to the Argentina side for the 2018 World Cup, before going on to help his country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, either side of wins in the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, confirmed his retirement with this statement. And this one appears to be final.
"I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team...", he said.
"It is a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football".
"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there", he continued.
"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you all from the inside. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting you from the sidelines (through thick and thin, even more so)".
"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to each and every coach, teammate, and manager I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments".
Lionel Messi also played club football with Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain. (All quotes in this piece according to RTÉ).
