Lionel Messi retires from international football

A file picture of Messi kissing the FIFA World Cup Trophy during the trophy ceremony after Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup final football match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Dec 18, 2022. - AFP

PETALIING JAYA: Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

In a Facebook post on Monday (Aug 31), the 39-year-old Argentinian said it was a painful decision but his time had come.

"I have always given everything... I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, for giving them joy and making them proud to be Argentinians.

"Thank you for all the love for the past 20 years... Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in good times and much more during the bad)," he said.