Football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi Following International Retirement

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 1, 2026, 00:40 IST

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has honoured Lionel Messi after the Argentine legend retired from international football, celebrating a career defined by 207 appearances, 125 goals, and a 2022 World Cup victory.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi Following International Retirement

Lionel Messi has officially concluded his illustrious international career with Argentina, stepping away from the national team stage after a record-breaking tenure. The 39-year-old icon leaves behind a legacy defined by 207 appearances and 125 goals, cementing his status as one of the most decorated figures in the history of the sport.

Following the announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino led the tributes, taking to social media to acknowledge the profound impact the forward has had on the global game. Infantino praised not only the player's technical brilliance but also the humility he maintained throughout his two-decade journey with the national side.

A Legacy of Records and Global Success

Infantino’s tribute highlighted the sheer scale of Messi’s achievements, noting his pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Beyond the world title, the FIFA President pointed to Messi’s standing as Argentina’s all-time leader in both caps and goals, as well as his record for the most appearances in FIFA World Cup history. These milestones underscore a career that spanned from his senior international debut in 2005 to his final appearance in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.

In his statement, Infantino expressed gratitude for the memories the player provided to fans worldwide. He noted that Messi’s influence extended far beyond the pitch, successfully uniting supporters across every corner of the globe. The FIFA chief concluded his message by offering his best wishes for the next chapter of the Argentine’s life as he continues his club career with Inter Miami.

Reflecting on a Two-Decade International Journey

The retirement marks the end of a remarkable era for the Argentine national team. Throughout his time in the national colours, Messi secured two Copa América titles alongside his World Cup success, fulfilling his long-standing ambition of delivering major silverware for his country. His departure from the international scene follows a career that has spanned over twenty years, during which he consistently redefined expectations for individual performance and leadership.

As the football world reflects on his departure, the consensus remains that his contributions to the game will be remembered for generations. While his international chapter has now closed, his influence on the sport remains a defining feature of modern football history.