Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

One of the best to ever play the sport of football and the second-highest goalscorer in international football, Lionel Messi has called curtains on his international career after 207 appearances in Argentina's iconic blue-and-white jersey.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi said.

The Argentina captain insisted that he had always given everything for the national-team shirt, including during the difficult years before the country's golden generation finally began collecting major trophies.