Confirming his retirement from international duty on Monday, the Inter Miami star said he realised that "the time has come."

Messi said he had already made the decision shortly after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final against Spain, but his father's death later strengthened his resolve to step away from…

He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)