Afghanistan, Sept. 1 -- Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a historic 20-year career with Argentina after saying he has "nothing left to give" to the national team.
The 39-year-old made the announcement in a statement published on Monday, saying the decision was deeply painful but that "the time has come." Messi said he wrote the message shortly after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, a loss that convinced him his international journey had reached its end.
"I've given it my all. I have nothing left to give," Messi said. "I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. Now it's time for the next generation."
Messi leaves Argentina ...