"It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come," Messi shared in a handwritten letter posted on Instagram. Superstar says he planned move two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in July World Cup final Key points and original sources are listed below.

• "It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come," Messi shared in a handwritten letter posted on Instagram.S1

• Superstar says he planned move two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in July World Cup finalS2

• At 39, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi announced on Instagram that he was ending his international football career, which has seen him win a World Cup and two Copa America titles for Argentina.S3

• Messi, who captained Argentina in his sixth World Cup campaign, confirmed the decision on Monday premiumtimesng.com/">Premium Times Nigeria.S4

• National team skipper announces he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final; "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time," he reveals in p...S5

• The Argentine legend announced that he will not play for the national team again, ending an illustrious international career.S6