Lionel Messi said on Monday he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.

Following the death of his father Jorge in August, Messi had said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer”.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram.

In the post, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner notes that he wrote these words two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19.

“After what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever,” he added.

Messi swore that he “always gave everything” to his fans and “not just during these last few years when we won everything, but before that as well”.

“I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he wrote.

“There isn’t much time left, and chapters are gradually coming to a close, and this is one that hurts me a lot,” Messi added, expressing his love for the Argentine national team.

“I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. And besides, there are some very talented young players coming through who deserve to be there.”

The football icon expressed gratitude to his fans for their support over the past two decades, as well as his family, coaches and teammates.

“Now I’ll be one of you, always cheering and supporting from the outside (in good times and bad, even more so),” he added, addressing his fans.

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of. It was crazy to have lived it all with you. I love you!”

Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory by winning the 2022 final against France in a penalty shootout in Qatar. His contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.