Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star, announced his international retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday.
Messi wrote in an official statement posted on his "Instagram" account : "After all this time since the final, and after long consideration, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing for the national team."
He added: "It was a painful decision and it still hurts deep inside, but I realize that the time has come. I swear to you that I have always given everything I had, not only in the recent years when we achieved everything, but before that as well. I have always fought and given everything I had for this shirt, and to make you happy and proud to be Argentine through football."
He continued: "There is not much left, and the stages are reaching their end, and this is one of them that hurts me a lot. I love, loved, and will always love being with the national team. I have exhausted everything I had, and I have nothing more to offer, alongside the presence of a group of wonderful young players who deserve their chance."
He went on: "Thank you for all this love over 20 years. I will miss hearing your voices from inside the stadium very much, and now I will become one of you, cheering and supporting the national team from the outside, in good times and bad, especially in difficult times."
He further stated: "Thank you to my family for always being by my side, and for accompanying me on this very beautiful journey, despite its difficulties. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I had the opportunity to share this journey with. I will carry with me unforgettable memories and moments I lived during this period."
He concluded: "I leave feeling at ease and proud because, with my teammates, I gave you moments we had always dreamed of. It was crazy to live all that with you. I love you!.. Thank God for making me Argentine.. Long live Argentina!"
Messi wrote a note after finishing the retirement statement, saying: "I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final.. And today, after what happened to my father, I am more convinced of the decision than ever before."
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