Messi announced the end of his career in the national team of Argentina

Lionel Messi announced the end of his career as part of the national team of Argentina. The 39-year-old Argentine posted an emotional message on Instagram explaining his decision and thanking everyone who has stood by him over two decades of playing for the national team. "After the time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to inform everyone that I am ending my appearances for the national team... This decision hurt me and still hurts my soul, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you, I always gave it my all. And not only in recent years, when we managed to win everything, but also before. I have always fought and given my all for this shirt to give you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football. Time is passing, stages are coming to an end, and this stage hurts me especially hard. I love, loved and will always love to play for the national team. I've given my all, I've got nothing more to give, and besides, I'm followed by some great young guys who deserve to be here. Thank you for all the love you have given me during these 20 years. I will really miss hearing you from the field. Now I will be one of you - I will always cheer and support the team from the outside. Both in good and bad times, and even more so in bad. Thank you to my family for always being there and accompanying me on this beautiful, but at the same time difficult journey. Thanks to every coach, teammate, and manager I've had the chance to work with and share this journey with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments that I experienced. I leave with peace of mind and pride that, together with my partners, I gave you moments that you could only dream of. It was crazy going through it all with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Go Argentina! *I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened to my father, I am even more convinced of my decision," Messi wrote on Instagram. It will be recalled that Lionel Messi played 207 matches for the Argentine national team, scored 125 goals and provided 68 assists. He also won the Copa America twice and triumphed at the World Cup once.