New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- Lionel Messi has confirmed he is leaving the Argentina national team. The announcement comes after Argentina's extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In his own words, he first wrote the message two days after that match.

"After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team...," Messi posted on social media.

"I leave with the peace and pride of knowing that, together with my teammates, I gave you moments we could only have dreamed of. It was madness to have experienced it all with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Come on, Argentina!" he added.

That let...