India, Aug. 31 -- Argentina's legendary player Lionel Messi has declared his retirement from international football, stating that the decision was one that "hurt" him, yet he recognizes that "the time has come".

The 39-year-old, who led Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, has netted 125 goals in 207 matches, establishing himself as the nation's all-time top scorer and most-capped athlete.

In an Instagram post, Messi expressed that he has devoted everything to the national team, but now he feels he has "nothing left to give".

"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 eve...