Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, a decision that "hurt" him but "the time has come", according to the Argentine great.

Read More: Close race as Iceland votes on whether to restart talks on joining EU

The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. This achievement is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport, which he has given everything to throughout his career.

In a statement on Instagram, Messi expressed his gratitude for being part of the national team, saying "I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team." He also acknowledged that it was a difficult decision, stating "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply."

Messi's retirement comes after a period of introspection following the death of his father, Jorge, who passed away aged 68 due to a long illness. In an earlier statement, Messi said he was considering his future in football after his father's passing, stating "Today, after what happened with my dad, I'm even more convinced than before."

"I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance," Messi said in his Instagram statement. With this retirement, Messi leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his dedication to Argentina will be remembered for generations to come.