The Argentine Football Association (AFA) led the tributes to their long-time captain, expressing deep gratitude for his contributions to the national side. In a series of statements released on social media, the governing body praised Messi’s professionalism and the joy he brought to the country, describing his tenure as the most beautiful journey in the history of Argentine football.
Teammates Pay Tribute to a Lasting Legacy
Following the announcement, Messi’s teammates from both club and country flooded his social media channels with messages of appreciation. Rodrigo de Paul, who played alongside the icon for both Argentina and
Defender Lisandro Martinez echoed these sentiments, expressing his sadness at the news while emphasizing the impact Messi had on his life. Martinez noted that he would take pride in telling his daughter that he shared a pitch with such an extraordinary individual, asserting that when it comes to football, there is simply no comparison. Other teammates, including Leandro Paredes and Angel Di Maria, also shared heartfelt messages, thanking their captain for his commitment to the nation and for elevating Argentina to the pinnacle of the sport.
A Career Defined by Historic Achievements
Messi’s international career spanned two decades, during which he appeared in six FIFA World Cups between 2006 and 2026. Over the course of 34 tournament matches, he scored 21 goals, finishing his career as the second-highest goal-scorer in World Cup history, trailing only France’s Kylian Mbappe, who holds the record with 22 goals. During the 2026 tournament, Messi recorded eight goals and four assists, including a hat-trick against Algeria.
His international journey was marked by significant milestones, most notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar, which ended Argentina's 36-year wait for the trophy. He was also instrumental in ending a 28-year title drought by securing the Copa America in 2021, followed by a successful title defense in 2024. While this marks the end of his time with the national team, Messi intends to continue his professional career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
