Argentina's soccer legend, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

According to the Argentine great, this is a decision that "hurt" but he understands "the time has come".

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.

He also won the team a World Cup trophy in 2022 at Qatar.

His resignation from international football has caused many of his fans to wish for more from him for Argentina as they hoped this day never came.

But in a statement shared on Instagram, Messi said he has given everything to the national side but  now he has "nothing left to give".

He added: "Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply.”