BUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 : Argentines saluted Lionel Messi on Monday after the soccer great confirmed the news many had long expected but still found painful: his retirement from the national team.“It’s going to be difficult but I’m super grateful for all the joy he gave us, as a country,” said Francisca

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 announced on Monday his retirement from the Argentine national team at the age of 39, in a handwritten letter posted on his social media accounts, 43 days after the…