Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi announced on Monday that he was retiring from the Argentine National Team in a handwritten letter posted on social media, in which he said that the death of his father was what pushed him to make this decision.
"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," the 39-year-old posted on Instagram.
"There is not much less, and I need to start closing some stages," he continued. "I loved, love, and will continue loving this national team. I will miss hearing the fans from inside the pitch. Now I become one more from the crowd, supporting and cheering in the good and the bad."
Messi also thanked his family, team members, trainers, and directors. "I take with me memories and unforgettable moments," he wrote.
He then concluded, "I leave with peace of mind and pride, knowing that my teammates and I gave you all dreamlike moments. It was incredible to experience it with you. I love you all! Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian. ¡Vamos, Argentina! (Go, Argentina!)"
Decision taken following his father's death
In the final paragraph of the letter, Messi said he wrote the words two days after losing the World Cup final to Spain, but made the decision a week later, after his father's death.
The Instagram post also included a picture of the handwritten letter and a video of Messi during his 20 years playing for Argentina.
Messi had already retired from the Argentine national team in 2016, after losing his third straight final against Chile in the Copa America.
Back then, he was only 28, and most sports analysts said the retired because the lacked titles rather than because of physical limitations.
He came back in 2018 for the World Cup and won three tournaments in the final years of his international career, including a World Cup title in 2022.
In the last World Cup, he had his best statistical tournament, with eight goals and four assists, and reached the final, where Argentina lost to Spain.
Reuters contributed to this report.