Lionel Messi posted on social media: “Now that time has passed since the final, after a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I’m retiring from The Selection (the Argentina national team). It was a painful decision to make, but I understand this is the moment. I swear that I always gave everything, not just in the last few years that everything was won — before and always as well, I gave everything for the jersey, to give you happiness and, through soccer, make you all proud to be argentinian. There is little time left and chapters are coming to a close, and this one is one that hurts me greatly. I love, I’ve loved, and I’ll always love being part of the Selection. I emptied myself, I have nothing left to give, and there are great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there. Thanks for all the love these 20 years. I will greatly miss hearing you all from inside. Now I will be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in the good times and especially in the bad times). Thank you to my family for always being with me, for being with me ion this beautiful yet difficult journey. Thank you to the trainers, teammates, and coaches with whom I’ve shared the journey. I take the memories and unforgettable moments lived. I leave with the calm and peace of having given you all, along with my teammates, moments we’ve dreamed of. It was a wild ride to have shared with you all. I love you all! Thank you God for making me Argentinian. Let’s go Argentina! I wrote these words July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after my dad, I’m more convinced than before.’
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