Lionel Messi is saying goodbye to the Argentina national team. "La Pulce" (The Flea) announced on social media his decision to definitively end his experience with the Albiceleste, at the end of a twenty-year journey that culminated in winning the World Cup.

"After all this time since the final, and after much reflection, I want to announce to everyone my retirement from the national team," Messi wrote, explaining that he had made the decision after much reflection.

A step that, the Argentine star admits, causes him pain. "It's a decision that deeply saddens me, but I understand it's the right time," he added, recalling his dedication to the Selección throughout his career.

"I swear I've always given my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but even before. I've always fought and given everything for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinians through football," he wrote.

Messi then explained that he now considers a fundamental chapter in his career to be over. "There's not much time left, the chapters are closing, and this is one of the ones that hurts me the most. I have loved, loved, and will always love the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give."

In his message, Messi also thanked the fans for their affection and reaffirmed his connection to the Argentine jersey, promising to continue supporting the Selección as a fan. His farewell thus closes one of the most important chapters in the recent history of Argentine football: Messi leaves the national team after years of being its face and its main technical and emotional inspiration.