BUENOS AIRES, Sept. 1 -- Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39. The Argentina captain made the announcement on Monday through an emotional Instagram post. Messi said the decision had deeply hurt him but called it the right time. He made the announcement after Argentina reached a second successive World Cup final. Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain on July 19.

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Messi said he wrote his message two days after the final defeat. He also referred to his father while explaining his decision. The football star said he had always given everything for Argentina. He said his commitment existed long before the team's ...