ARGENTINA great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying the decision “hurt” him but “the time has come”.
The 39-year-old leaves the national team as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and led the team to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain.
In his statement, Messi said he had given everything to the national team and that talented young players were coming through who deserved their chance.
Messi will continue his club career with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
