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Legendary forward Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest international careers in football history.

Messi said the decision had been painful but insisted that he believes the time is now right to step aside and allow a new generation of Argentine players to take centre stage.

"After everything that has happened since the World Cup final, and after a long period of reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team. It was a painful decision, but I understand that now is the right time.

I swear that I have always given everything I had, not only in recent years when we won everything, but also before that, trying to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football.

I gave everything I had; there is nothing more I can give. Besides, there are very talented young players coming through who deserve their opportunity. Thank you for all the love you have given me over these 20 years.

I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Come on, Argentina!"

Messi explained that he had written the message on July 21, two days after the World Cup final, and said that events surrounding his father had only strengthened his decision.

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. After what happened with my father, I am even more convinced," Messi wrote on his account on X.

Messi leaves the Argentina national team with a remarkable collection of major honours. He won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lifted the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, claimed the Finalissima in 2022 and also won Olympic gold with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

For more than two decades, Lionel Messi has been at the heart of Argentina's football story. His international journey, once marked by heartbreak and near misses, ultimately became one of triumph, culminating in the country's long-awaited World Cup victory in 2022.