Lionel Messi calls it quits for the Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday. The captain of the Argentina national soccer team is its all-time leading goal scorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 games for his country. He is also recognized as the highest-scoring male player in South American soccer history. Messi led Argentina to its first World Cup title in 2022, ending a 36-year drought and marking the country’s third overall.

Before that, he played a crucial role in ending Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and again in 2024. In 2016, Messi announced his retirement from international football after captaining Argentina in three consecutive finals, where they failed to win any titles.

However, he reversed that decision shortly afterwards and went on to lead the team to Copa América triumphs and a World Cup victory. His retirement announcement triggered a wave of reactions. Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, paid tribute to him with an emotional Instagram post, saying, “I saw you keep going when things didn’t work out, and always trying again. After so many years, I was also lucky enough to see you fulfill your dreams and live some of the happiest days of our lives. You deserved this story and so much more. We love you infinitely.”

The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, expressed his gratitude on Instagram, stating, “Thank you very much, impossible man.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi in a bilingual post, stating, “For an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our sport. Your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.”

The Argentine Football Association thanked Messi on their social media platforms in both Spanish and English, writing, “Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality. The legend is yours, forever.”

Rodrigo De Paul, a teammate of Messi’s on the Argentina and Inter Miami teams, highlighted Messi’s dedication on social media, originally in Spanish: “Your unconditional love for our country, your internal battles to never give up, your strength in enduring injustices, and your leadership and character in your dealings with every player.”

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who made his Argentina debut just two months before winning the 2022 World Cup alongside Messi, also paid tribute. He said in Spanish, “Thank you for the way you treated me, 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.”

England’s great Gary Lineker shared an emotional message for Messi, saying, “You didn’t just play for Argentina; you carried their hopes, dreams, and expectations for two decades. Football will move on, as it always does, but the memories you’ve created for Argentina and the world will never fade. Thank you, Leo.”

 Post Credit: ESPN Sports

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