Lionel Messi, the global football superstar, announced his retirement from the Argentina national football team, stating that this was a decision that left him "hurt," but that "the time has come."
The 39-year-old player, who became the champion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina, has scored 125 goals in 207 international matches, making him the top scorer for the Argentina national team and also the record holder for the most international appearances for the country.
Messi wrote on his Instagram that he has given his all for the national team but now has "nothing left to offer."
He said: "Time is running out, seasons come to an end, and this is a season that deeply hurts me. I love being part of the national team, I have loved it and will always love it. I have given my all, I have nothing left to offer, and beyond that, great young players are coming up who deserve the opportunity.
The captain of the Argentina national team mentioned earlier in August that he is considering his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68 after a long illness.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he wrote his farewell message on July 21, two days after Argentina's defeat against Spain in this year's World Cup final.
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, stated: "Today, after what happened to my father, I am even more certain than before."

Source: BBC Persian