BREAKING NEWS: Lionel Messi Announces His Retirement From the Argentine National Team After a Historic Career

The Captain's farewell message to his followers

"After this time that has passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want to inform you all that I am retiring from the National Team...

It was a decision that hurt and still hurts in the soul, but I understand that it is the moment. I swear to you that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when everything was won, but before that too, and I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

There's little time left and stages are closing, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being in the National Team. I gave everyhting, I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are very talented young players coming up behind who deserve to be there.

Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss listening to you from the inside a lot. Now I will be just one of you, cheering and supporting always from the outside (in good and bad times more).

Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thanks to each one of the coaches, teammates, and leaders I had the chance to share this journey with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments lived.

I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, dreamful moments. It was crazy to have experienced it with you. I love you!

Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

Let's go Argentina!"

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