Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to ​World Cup victory in 2022 ‌and the final in 2026, said this Monday in a post on Instagram ​that he would be leaving ​Argentina’s national team.

“It was a decision ⁠that hurt and still hurts deep ​down, but I understand that the ​time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all, ​not just in these last few ​years when we won everything, but before that ‌too; ⁠I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and ​make you ​feel proud ⁠to be Argentine through football,” the 39-year-old posted on ​Instagram.

“I leave with the peace ​of ⁠mind and pride of having given you alongside my teammates  moments we ⁠once ​only dreamed of,” he ​added.

—Reuters—