I have nothing left to offer – Lionel Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after earning 207 caps for his country.

Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, leaves the national team as a 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and two-time Copa América champion.

In a statement, he said: “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 everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is fleeting, chapters come to an end, and this is one that deeply affects me. I love, have loved, and will always cherish being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to offer, and moreover, there are some exceptional young players emerging who deserve this opportunity.”