Lionel Messi leaves his fans worldwide emotional after announcing his retirement from international football. According to the BBC, Messi, 39, took to his official Instagram handle with 506 million followers on August 31, 2026, and shared a post with a long caption, in which he poured his heart out.Widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, Messi left his unique mark on the game as he finally announced his retirement from International football. Lionel Messi began the caption of his Instagram post by writing:"After this time that passed since the final, thinking a lot, I want to inform you all that I retire from the National Team..."While talking about his difficult decision and how it hurt him, Messi continued and wrote:"It was a decision that hurt and hurts in the soul but I understand it's time. I swear that I always left everything, not only the last years that everything was won before also and I always fought and left everything for this shirt, to give them joy and make them proud to be Argentinian through football."As he thanked his fans and family for supporting him throughout his glorious journey, Lionel Messi concluded his post by writing:"I leave with the tranquility and pride of having given you, together with my colleagues, dreamy moments. It was crazy to have experienced it with you guys. I love them!"Check out Messi's Instagram post below: View this post on Instagram Instagram PostAmid the announcement of Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, emotional and overwhelmed fans shared their thoughts on the internet. An X (formerly Twitter) user wrote:"My GOAt!!!!!! My one and only GOAT. The best of the best. The GOAT of all Goats." written by an X userFans react after Lionel Messi retires from Argentina's national teamArgentina v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Source: GettyLet's take a look below at what Messi's fans and other football enthusiasts have to say about his retirement from international football:"Messi’s journey became part of our lives. This one comes straight from the heart." commented an internet user"What a journey. The Greatest Of All time." said an X user"From the heartbreak of 2014 & 2016 to the ultimate glory in Qatar 2022, he gave everything to the shirt.207 caps. 125 goals. Eternal legend. Thank you, Leo." wrote a social media user"Football will miss you Messi." noted an X userKeep following Soap Central for more.