‘You Are Eternal’: Tributes Pour In as Lionel Messi Retires From International Football

The football world has united to pay tribute to Lionel Messi following the legendary forward’s announcement that he is stepping down from international duty at the age of 39. 

Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and appearance maker, who recorded 125 goals in 207 caps for his country, confirmed on Monday (August 30) that while the decision hurts deep down, the time has come to conclude his international career. 

The announcement follows a difficult personal period for Messi after the recent passing of his father, Jorge, which led the former World Cup winner to admit to having serious doubts about how long he would continue playing football at any level.

News of the 2022 World Cup winner's international retirement sparked an outpouring of emotion from teammates who shared the pitch with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Longtime international companion Angel Di Maria expressed how difficult it was to process that fans would no longer see Messi in the iconic sky blue and white kit, stating he felt blessed to have been born in an era where he could witness and play alongside him. 

Inter Miami and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul echoed those sentiments, expressing gratitude to the player he described as the greatest of all time for bringing endless smiles to the nation and declaring Messi to be eternal.

Other members of the national squad reflected on the void Messi leaves behind as Argentina prepares for future international fixtures following their recent World Cup final appearance in North America. 

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez admitted that it feels impossible to imagine walking onto the pitch without seeing the number 10 leading the line, while forward Lautaro Martinez praised Messi’s leadership off the field, emphasizing how the captain taught the team resilience, quiet work ethic, and unwavering self-belief through every setback.

Tributes extended well beyond the national team locker room, drawing praise from top political and sporting figures. 

Argentinian President Javier Milei hailed the superstar as an incredible man, while Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia referred to him as the captain of dreams, praising the legend for making the impossible seem achievable throughout a historic career. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also commended Messi, acknowledging his role in bringing immense joy to millions and congratulating him on stepping away from international football as a World Cup champion.

The widespread appreciation reached across other sporting arenas and into Messi's personal life. 

Alpine Formula One driver Franco Colapinto thanked the football icon for continuously bouncing back to bring happiness to an entire country, describing him as a role model for all. 

Meanwhile, Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared an emotional message celebrating his career, expressing immense pride in having watched him fulfill all his dreams throughout an extraordinary international journey.