Messi announces departure from Argentina national team

Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to ‌World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in ​2026, said on Monday in a post on Instagram that he would be leaving ​Argentina's national team.

"It was a decision that hurt — ⁠and still hurts deep down — but ‌I ‌understand ​that the time has come. I swear to you that ⁠I always ​gave it my ​all — not just in these last ‌few years when we ​won everything, but before that too; ⁠I always fought ⁠and ​left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," the 39-year-old posted on Instagram.

"I ‌leave with the ⁠peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my ‌teammates — moments we once only dreamed of," ​he added. - Reuters