Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team.

​Operativ Media reports that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner announced the end of his career with the Argentine national team on his official social media account.

​ The famous forward noted on his Instagram page that he came to this decision after long consideration, adding that leaving the national team is difficult and painful for him, but that the current moment is the right time to take this step.