Messi bids farewell to international football

Lionel Messi, Argentine legend and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has announced his retirement from the national team, ending his international football career.

Messi revealed his decision in an open letter posted on his official Facebook page, saying the decision was taken after much thought.

He wrote, "This decision was very painful to take, and that pain still lies deep in my heart. But I understand that now is the time."

Messi said he gave his best in the national team jersey, having fought for Argentina not just in recent years but long before that. He said he always tried to bring joy to the fans and make them feel proud of being Argentine through football.

Messi said one chapter after another is coming to an end. Playing for the national team was, and will always remain, something he loved, though he said he has nothing left to give now.

In his words, "Behind me are some wonderful young players coming through who deserve to be in the national team."

Expressing gratitude for the love of Argentine fans over the past 20 years, Messi said he will deeply miss their voices from within the stadium. However, he said that even after stepping away from playing for the national team, he will always support the team from outside.

Messi also expressed gratitude toward his family, coaches, teammates and officials, saying he is bidding farewell with countless memories and unforgettable moments earned with the national team.

Messi said that together with his teammates, he was able to give the people of Argentina dream moments that everyone had imagined, calling the experience of living through those moments together "unbelievable."

Towards the end of the letter, Messi wrote, "Thank God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina! Vamos Argentina!"

Messi said he had written this statement on July 21, two days after the final, adding that a recent incident involving his father had further strengthened his resolve to retire from the national team.