"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts to the soul, but I realize that this is the right time. I swear that I always gave everything, not only in the last few years when we won everything, but also before that. I have always fought and given everything for this shirt, to give you joy and make you proud to be Argentine."
Messi made his debut for the Argentina national team back in August 2005. He had to wait until the dramatic final against France in Doha in 2022 before he could lift the trophy and be crowned world champion.
Before that, he was involved in the losing final against Germany in Brazil in 2014.
In July this year, Spain was a little too good and stopped Messi from winning a second consecutive World Cup gold medal, in New Jersey.
Since then, the attacking star - seen by many as the world's best player of all time - has pondered his future in the national team.
On his account on Instagram, Messi writes:
"Thank you for all the love and support over these 20 years. I will miss hearing from you all. Now I will just be one of you, cheering and supporting from the sidelines (in good times and bad, even more so)."
In total, Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals.
Messi has been playing for Inter Miami in the North American league for a few years now.
Born: June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina.
Club: Inter Miami.
Previous clubs as a senior: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain.
International caps/goals: 207/125
Best achievements with Argentina: World Cup gold in 2022, World Cup silver in 2014 and 2026, winner of Copa America in 2021 and 2024, Olympic gold in 2008.
Other: Eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, a total of 47 club titles, 35 of which with Barcelona.
Current: Announces that he is retiring from the Argentina national team.
