Lionel Messi quits Argentina AGAIN as legend releases emotional statement following tragic death of his father

LIONEL MESSI has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team weeks after the World Cup final and following the tragic death his father. Messi, 39, penned an emotional statement on his social media revealing the decision. Lionel Messi has retired from the Argentina national team Credit: AFP Messi revealed he made the decision two days after the World Cup final Credit: AFP And the Argentine footballing icon shared a post to his Instagram page confessing he had made the decision on July 21, two days after his nation’s defeat in the World Cup final to Spain. However, the passing of his dad, Jorge, on August 8 “convinced” him of the decision even more, and shared a picture of his lengthy statement written down on paper. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Messi, who has made 207 appearances for his nation, scoring 125 goals and winning the World Cup in 2018, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, gold at the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2022 Finalissima, said: “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team…” “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment. “I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. “I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. “This is one that hurts me a lot. I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give. Most read in Sport “Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here.” Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, added: “Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. “I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones. “Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. “Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. “I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you! “Thank you God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina! “I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now