Baku: Footballer Lionel Messi announced on Monday that he is retiring from the Argentinian national team, APA reports. "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," the footballer stated on his Instagram channel.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Messi expressed that the decision was difficult and painful but felt that it was the right moment to step away. "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment," Messi added. His announcement marks the end of an illustrious international career with Argentina, where he has been a pivotal player and a national icon.