The football world reacted as Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his international retirement on Monday (August 31), ending his illustrious career with 125 goals in 207 appearances, both tallies only dwarfed by Cristiano Ronaldo
The 39-year-old won four senior titles with the national team, including one FIFA World Cup (2022), and came within a final win of adding another last month before the Albiceleste lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain.
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Having made his international debut in a friendly win over Hungary in August 2005, Messi called time 21 years later after registering a record 193 goal contributions (125 goals, 58 assists) in the international game.
Following Messi’s international retirement, many of his Argentina teammates, club teammates and FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared their thoughts. Here’s what some of them said:
Lionel Messi’s international teammate Rodrigo De Paul wrote on his Instagram Story (as translated from Spanish):
“Just thank you. The greatest of all time. Thank you for making us so incredibly happy. You can’t imagine how many smiles you brought to our faces!! You are eternal.”
Tagliafico wrote on his Instagram Story:
“Eternal thanks @leomessi 💙🤍”
Leandro Paredes wrote on his Instagram Story for his now-retired international teammate (as translated from Spanish):
“We love you, Captain, we’ll be grateful to you for the rest of our lives for…”
Cuti Romero wrote on his Instagram Story (as translated from Spanish):
“I love you. I admire you, and I will always be grateful to you for everything you left in me and for our country. Thank you for so much, captain. 🥹❤️”
Angel Di Maria wrote on Instagram (as per Messi Xtra):
“We will remain grateful to you for our entire lives because you are Argentine, and because you raised the name of Argentina to the top of the world, and because you chose to be Argentine at a time when you could have easily chosen another country. Thank you, Captain. Thank you for everything. The best in history.”
Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Xavi wrote on Instagram (as per Messi Xtra):
“Warmest congratulations, Leo!! You’ve achieved everything you wanted with your country!! Big hug, my friend! ♥️⚽🔝🙏
The Argentina national football team wrote on X:
“Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts. Thank you, Captain. We love you 🩵.”
Giuliano Simeone wrote on Instagram (as translated from Spanish) about Lionel Messi:
“Thank you, Leo. For everything you did for our country, for everything you made us feel, and for having been an inspiration to so many of us since we were kids. Today, the player we all admire says goodbye to the National Team. But for me, the idol I watched as a kid and whom I was lucky enough to have by my side one day is also saying goodbye. You are eternal. INFINITE THANKS.”
Lisandro Martinez wrote about Lionel Messi (as per Albiceleste Talk):
“A huge sadness, honestly. You’re never prepared for these things, but from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!! You are my example and an example for the whole world, a winner in football and a winner in life!! My daughter will be very proud that her father shared a team with such an extraordinary human being. You are the greatest athlete in history, because when it comes to football, honestly, there is no comparison. I love you so much 😭❤️””
Enzo Fernandez wrote for Lionel Messi:
“I didn’t just get to play with you. We shared training camps, the dressing room, conversations, hugs, difficult moments, incredible moments, and we ended up becoming world champions together. … You always had a word, some advice, a hug, or simply a way of making me feel calm whenever I needed it. I’ll never forget that.
“Today, it’s hard for me to imagine the next training camp without you. … Thank you for treating me the way you did, for everything you taught me, and for allowing me to share a part of your story. “We’re going to miss you so much, captain.” 💙🥺”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote on Instagram:
“Congratulations 🇦🇷@leomessi on an extraordinary international career which has inspired millions and redefined the beautiful game. 👏 … Thank you for every unforgettable memory defending the colors of@afaseleccion. And for uniting fans from every corner of the world. I wish you all the best in your next chapter. ⚽️❤️”
Lionel Messi ends his international career with 21 FIFA World Cup goals, only one shy of record holder Kylian Mbappe.
How Lionel Messi fared for Argentina at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi had a stellar campaign for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where Lionel Scaloni’s side narrowly failed to join Italy and Brazil as the only teams to defend their World Cup titles.
In eight games, La Pulga scored eight times and provided four assists in eight matches as the holders fell to Spain in the final. During the campaign, Messi set the record for longest scoring run (9) in the competition.
Lionel Messi also scored or assisted in a record 11 straight World Cup games and set the record for most assists (12) in the competition. He finished two goals short of Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe (10).
Edited by Bhargav
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