Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old made the announcement on his Instagram account. He wrote that the decision hurt deeply but he understands the time has come. He revealed that he wrote the words on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. He waited to publish it because of what happened with his father. Jorge Messi passed away on August 8.
Messi played in six World Cups. He won the tournament in Qatar in 2022. He also led Argentina to the final in 2026, where they lost to Spain. He finishes as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances. He also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
He previously announced his retirement in 2016 after three final defeats. But he reversed that decision and went on to win the World Cup and two Copa America titles. He said he has given everything he had and has nothing left to give. He also mentioned that there are young players coming up who deserve to be there.
The announcement sparked a wave of reactions. His wife Antonela Roccuzzo paid tribute on Instagram. Argentine President Javier Milei thanked him. FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised his career. The Argentine Football Association thanked him for making them dream. Teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez also shared emotional messages.
Lionel Messi Retirement: Fans Across the World Pay Emotional Tribute to Argentina Legend
The retirement news has triggered emotional reactions from fans across the world. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes to the Argentina legend. His 21-year international career has come to an end.
In Nigeria, the news generated emotional responses on online forums. One user called it the saddest day in soccer history. Others described Messi as the greatest of all time. Messages like “Best of luck, champ!” and “You’ve completed football” were also shared. One Nigerian fan highlighted Messi’s age at retirement, joking that he is retiring at 39, the age when most Nigerians are yet to start their careers.
In Argentina, the reaction was deeply emotional. Supporters filled Messi’s social media pages with messages of gratitude. “I love you eternally, captain” and “Thank you for everything” were among the posts. One fan said the heart hurts, but his legacy will be eternal. Another fan described him as a heritage of humanity.
In Brazil, some supporters reacted with humor. One fan declared that Argentina will never be champions again. Another joked about another long wait for Argentina’s next World Cup triumph.
In the United Kingdom, supporters celebrated Messi’s career while acknowledging that retirement had become inevitable. One supporter said they were glad he got his World Cup. British media outlets described the end of an extraordinary era.
Fans from Arabic-speaking countries expressed their gratitude. One supporter said they will never tire of thanking him for making them happy. In India, social media was also filled with tributes. FIFA also paid tribute, posting a simple message: “Congratulations on a great career.”
The emotional response was not restricted to any one country. Fans from Lagos to Buenos Aires and London to Mumbai shared the same message. After 21 years, 207 appearances, 125 goals, and a World Cup triumph, Messi’s Argentina chapter has finally closed.
Lionel Messi Retirement: Antonela, De Paul and Argentina Teammates Pay Tribute to Legend
The soccer world has reacted with an outpouring of emotion. His wife Antonela Roccuzzo expressed her pride in being by his side throughout his journey. She said he deserved his story and so much more and that their love for him is infinite.
Rodrigo De Paul, who often acted as Messi’s protector on the pitch, called him the greatest in history. He said Messi’s unconditional love for his country, his strength through injustice, and his humanity towards every player who walked into the national team made him immortal.
Several Argentina teammates shared their gratitude. Ángel Di María and Nicolas Tagliafico both wrote “eternal thanks.” Leandro Paredes thanked him for everything and called him the greatest of them all. Cristian Romero expressed his love and admiration. Lautaro Martínez said he would remember most what Messi taught them off the pitch, including never giving up and always believing in themselves.
Enzo Fernández shared a deeply personal message. He recalled being a kid who calculated the age difference between them, hoping to one day play alongside his idol. He said life turned out far more beautiful than that kid could have imagined. He said it was hard to imagine the next training camp without seeing Messi ahead of him wearing the number 10. He thanked Messi for how he treated him from the moment he arrived and said they would miss him so much.
FAQs
Q. Why did Lionel Messi retire from international football?
A. Messi said he feels the time has come.
Q. How many World Cups did Messi play in?
A. Messi played in six World Cups.
Q. How many goals did Messi score for Argentina?
A. Messi scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.
Q. Which major trophies did Messi win with Argentina?
A. Messi won two Copa América titles and one World Cup.
Q. How did fans react to Messi’s retirement?
A. Fans worldwide shared emotional tributes and thanked him.
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