Messi calls time on Argentina career

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday after a trophy-laden career spanning more than two decades.

Messi, 39, made the announcement on social media, explaining that he made the decision two days after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain 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".

Messi's contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season. He has played 207 times for Argentina and is also Argentina's leading scorer, with 125 goals. Messi also won two Copa Americas during his 21-year international career. In his statement on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said it was time for a new generation of Argentina players to take up the torch.