Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national football team, bringing an emotional end to one of the greatest international careers in football history. Messi, 39, spent nearly two decades playing for Argentina. During that time, he became the team's captain, leader and one of the most important players in the country's football history. His international journey was not always easy. Messi suffered several painful defeats with Argentina before finally achieving his biggest dream. He won the Copa América in 2021 and then led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. He also won the Finalissima and another Copa América title. Messi later helped Argentina reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina lost the final to Spain in extra time, and the match became the final appearance of Messi's international career. After the World Cup final, Messi began thinking seriously about his future with Argentina. He eventually decided that it was time to leave the national team. In his emotional message, Messi explained that the decision was not easy. He said the decision "hurt — and still hurts deeply", but he understood that it was the right moment to step away. He also said that he had given everything he could to the Argentina national team. Messi also made it clear that he believes Argentina has talented young players who can now take responsibility for the national team. One of the strongest messages from Messi was that he feels he has given everything for the Argentina shirt. In his letter, he described himself as emotionally exhausted and said, in Spanish, "Me vacié, no tengo más para dar", meaning "I gave everything; I have nothing more to give." Messi also thanked his family, teammates, coaches and Argentina supporters for standing beside him throughout his long international career. His decision marks the end of an extraordinary chapter. Messi leaves Argentina after winning the biggest trophies available to him and becoming one of the country's greatest-ever footballers. Although Messi is retiring from international football, this does not necessarily mean he is retiring from football completely. He is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami. For Argentina fans, Messi's departure will be emotional. For many years, he was the face of the national team and the player millions of supporters looked to in the biggest matches. Now, Argentina will begin a new era without its legendary No. 10. Messi will no longer wear the Argentina shirt as a player, but his achievements, leadership and memories will remain a major part of the country's football history.