Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his celebrated career with the Argentina national team.Messi confirmed his decision in an emotional statement, saying he had spent considerable time thinking about his future since Argentina’s latest final. The Argentina captain said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to step away.“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.“I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”

‘I don’t have anything more to give’

Messi said he understood that his time with Argentina was coming to an end and acknowledged the emergence of a new generation of players.“There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.“Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.”The 39-year-old also thanked Argentina supporters for their backing throughout his two decades with the national side, saying he would now support the team from outside.“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones.”Messi also paid tribute to his family, coaches, teammates and directors who accompanied him throughout his international career.“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”

‘I leave with peace and pride’

Messi said he was leaving international football with a sense of fulfilment after achieving moments he and his teammates had once dreamed of.“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you 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.“Vamos Argentina!”Messi revealed that he had originally written the statement on July 21, two days after the final, but said events involving his father had reinforced his decision.“I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.”