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Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team after more than 20 years, saying he has given everything and believes it is time for a new generation.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, bringing an end to one of the greatest international careers in football history. The 39-year-old made the announcement through an emotional Instagram post on Monday, saying he had thought carefully about the decision after the 2026 World Cup final. Messi said the decision was painful but that he felt the time had come to close his chapter with Argentina and make way for younger players.

Messi revealed that he had written the message on July 21, two days after Argentina's World Cup final against Spain. He did not publish it at the time. In the latest post, the Argentina captain said that after what happened to his father, he was now more convinced than before about his decision.

In his handwritten message, Messi spoke about his deep connection with the Argentina shirt and the sacrifices he had made during his international career. He said he had always given everything for the national team and wanted to make Argentinians proud through football.

“I have given everything, I have nothing more to give,” Messi wrote, while also pointing to the young players coming through who deserve their opportunity.