Lionel Messi: Argentina great retires from international football - BBC Sport

Argentina great Lionel Messi announces his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt" but he understands "the time has come".

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Messi says ending his Argentina career 'hurts me deeply'

Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt" but "the time has come".

The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

In a statement, Messi said he has given everything to the national side but now has "nothing left to give".

He added: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.