Lionel Messi retires from international football: ‘I have nothing more to give’

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending his celebrated career with the Argentina national team.Messi confirmed his decision in an emotional statement, saying he had spent a lot of time thinking about his future since Argentina’s last final. The Argentina captain said the decision was painful but he believes the time has come to step down.“After such a long time since the finals and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I am ending up in the national team…“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down, but I understand that it’s the right moment.“I swear I always gave everything, not only in the last few years when we won everything, but also before that. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt to bring you happiness and to make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”Also Read: Lionel Messi’s 10 Most Iconic Moments As Argentina Legend Retires From International Football

‘I have nothing more to give’

Messi said he understood his time in Argentina was coming to an end and acknowledged the arrival of a new generation of players.“There is not much time left and different chapters are coming to an end. This is the one that hurts a lot. I love, loved and will always love to be part of the national team. I gave everything I had and I have nothing more to give.”“There are also great young players coming in who deserve to be here.”The 39-year-old also thanked Argentina fans for their support during his two decades with the national team and said he will now support the team from the outside.“Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the inside. Now I will be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in good times and even more in bad.”Messi also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates and directors who have accompanied him throughout his international career.“I thank my family for always being there and being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. I thank every coach, teammate and director with whom I had the opportunity to share it. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”

‘I leave with peace and pride’

Messi said he was retiring from international football with a sense of fulfillment after achieving the moments he and his teammates once dreamed of.“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates, we gave you the moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!”“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.“Let’s go to Argentina!”Messi revealed that he originally wrote the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but said events involving his father strengthened his decision.“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my dad, I am even more convinced of this decision than before.”