Sep 01, Kathmandu - Football legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement on Monday after two decades representing the Argentine national team.

“It hurts to make this decision, I am heartbroken right now, but I know the time has come to retire,” the 39-year-old wrote on Instagram.

Messi revealed that he wrote his retirement letter two days after losing the World Cup final. According to him, the retirement announcement was delayed because his father, Jorge Messi, was ill.

Messi’s father, Jorge, passed away on August 8. Messi will continue playing professional football. He is currently with US club Inter Miami.