Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a historic 20-year career with the national team. The legendary player made the announcement Monday, August 31, in an emotional post, revealing that he made this decision on July 21, just two days after Argentina's heartbreaking World Cup final loss to Spain.

His decision to retire from international football was driven by heartbreak, loss, and the realization that his time had come. He wrote: '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 death of his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68, on August 8, was indeed the determining factor. The death, alongside the pain from the defeat in the World Cup final, prompted Messi to realise that it was now time to bow out. Earlier on, Messi admitted feeling physically tired in the final game. He had written earlier: 'My legs couldn't go on any more. This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn't.'

He also cited Argentina's rising generation of talent as a reason for his departure. 'There are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.' Though he previously announced his retirement in 2016 following three consecutive final defeats, he has changed his mind. This time, though, defeat, loss, age, and completion seem to be more conclusive.