Lionel Messi has officially decided to step away from international football at the age of 39. This major decision brings an end to a long and successful journey with the Argentina national team. Football stars and famous figures from all around the world are sending loving messages to praise his great career.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi retires from international football at age 39 after scoring 125 goals in 207 games for Argentina.
- Sir David Beckham and Jose Mourinho praised Messi’s huge career and lasting legacy on global sports.
- Former teammates including Angel Di Maria, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez shared emotional farewell messages.
Former England team captain Sir David Beckham spoke deeply about Messi’s huge impact on young fans everywhere. Beckham co-owns Inter Miami, the club team where Messi currently plays. He stated that the Argentine star has inspired millions of children across the world and that his achievements will never be forgotten.
Messi scored an incredible 125 goals in 207 total appearances for his country during his international career. He led Argentina as team captain to win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He also helped them reach another World Cup final in 2026 and picked up two Copa America trophies in 2021 and 2024.
Beckham shared his emotional thoughts on social media to honor the legendary captain after the announcement.
“Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina.”
Famous manager Jose Mourinho also left a special comment on Messi’s retirement announcement. Mourinho coached Real Madrid when Messi played for Barcelona between 2010 and 2013. During those years, the two faced each other many times in big Spanish matches while Messi won three straight Ballon d’Or awards.
Mourinho made it clear that future international tournaments will feel very different without the superstar on the pitch.
“The next Copa America and the next World Cup won’t be the same.”
Many of Messi’s former Argentina teammates were quick to share their heart-filled stories about playing alongside him. Angel Di Maria won the 2022 World Cup with Messi and also played with him at Paris Saint-Germain. He called Messi the greatest player in the history of football. Fans who love reading about major football milestones, such as when Erling Haaland receives four official Guinness World Records certificates, will always appreciate what Messi did for his nation.
Di Maria posted a very sweet message thanking Messi for all the shared memories in the national squad.
“All I know is that I was born in the right century to be able to witness you play, relish your performances and, on top of that, share all those years with you in the national team.”
Defender Cristian Romero and midfielder Enzo Fernandez also wrote touching letters about their childhood dreams coming true. Romero said he dreamed of meeting Messi as a young boy but never expected to win the World Cup with him. Fernandez explained how sharing dressing rooms, training camps, and big moments with his hero made his childhood dreams even better.
The football world is full of major matches every year, like when Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 to win Community Shield, but Messi’s retirement stands out as a massive historical moment. FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked Messi for unifying sports fans across every corner of the planet.
Argentinian Formula One driver Franco Colapinto also added his words of thanks on social media. He pointed out how Messi always kept fighting and gave everything to bring pure happiness to his home country. Everyone agrees that Messi leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations for many years to come.
