Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

The Argentine star announced his decision in a social media post at 9:05 p.m. on Monday (August 31).

Messi began his post by explaining that he had decided to retire from the national team after a long period of reflection. Although the decision was extremely difficult, he felt the time was right.

His most emotional words were directed at the fans. Messi said he would never forget the love they had shown him throughout his two decades representing Argentina.