Lionel Messi retires from international football

• Argentina's Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a painful decision but 'the time has come,' Ada Derana reports.2
• The 39-year-old captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team.24
• In a statement, Messi said he had given everything to the national side but now has 'nothing left to give.' He added: 'Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.'.2
• Earlier in August, Messi considered his future after the death of his father, Jorge, who died aged 68 following a long illness.4
• Messi wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final.24
• He added: 'Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before.'.4
• His club career will continue with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami until the end of 2028.4

1 NewsWire English · 2 Ada Derana · 3 Daily Mirror · 4 Sri Lanka Mirror

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