Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team in an Instagram post.
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Here is his post in full:
“After all this time since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team…
It was a decision that hurt me—and still hurts—deep in my heart, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear that I always gave my very best, not just in recent years when we won everything, but long before that as well. I always fought and gave my all for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through soccer.
There isn’t much time left, and this chapter is coming to a close, and that’s what pains me deeply. I love, I have loved, and I will always love being on the national team. I’ve given everything. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there.
Thank you for all the love and support over these past 20 years. I’ll miss hearing all of you from the stands. Now I’ll just be one of you, cheering you on and supporting you from the sidelines (through the good times and the bad—even more so).
Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this beautiful yet difficult journey. I thank every coach, teammate, and manager with whom I’ve had the pleasure of sharing this experience. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
I’m leaving with the peace of mind and pride that I, along with my teammates, gave you through some truly magical moments. It was incredible to share this with you. I love you all!
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’m even more convinced than before.”
View this post on Instagram.
*photo source: AP
