Thanking Argentine supporters for their love over the past 20 years, Messi said he would miss hearing the fans from inside the stadium.

But he promised to remain connected to the national team as a supporter.

“Now I will be one more of you, supporting and backing the team from outside,” he said in his farewell message.

Messi also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and football officials for being part of his remarkable journey.

He leaves international football as Argentina's greatest modern icon and one of the most successful players the game has ever seen.

His final words summed up a career built on passion, pressure, heartbreak and ultimate glory: “Thank God for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”