The football star Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina National Team, formally leaving international football.The Inter Miami star announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team in a social media post.ET OnlineMessi announces retirement in a post on InstagramMessi has enjoyed a vintage FIFA World Cup campaign, having won virtually every major trophy in club and international football.Messi has cemented his legacy by setting several all-time FIFA World Cup records. In doing so, the Argentina captain has surpassed icons such as Pelé, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane to rank among the tournament's most accomplished players.Also read: Lionel Messi retirement reason: Why did the football legend decide to stop playing for Argentina?What did Messi say in his retirement message?Bringing an end to his celebrated career with the Argentina national team, Messi confirmed his decision in an emotional statement, saying he had spent considerable time reflecting on his future following the team’s latest final. The Argentina captain acknowledged that stepping away was a painful decision but said he believed the time was right to leave international football."After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team...""It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football," he said."There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply.""I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there."