Messi retirement: FIFA president, Angel Di Maria pay glowing tribute to the GOAT

Lionel Messi on Monday (August 31, 2026) introduced his retirement from international football, resulting in an outpouring of tribute and farewell messages to the soccer legend who is commonly known as the GOAT (Best of All Time).

The 39-year-old Argentina footballer, who captained his group to World Cup glory in 2022 and ‌one other ultimate in 2026, made the announcement on Instagram, describing it as “a call that hurts the soul.”

Reactions to Messi’s retirement

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and fellow Argentinian gamers are amongst those that have devoted glowing tributes to the sporting icon. Right here’s a have a look at the reactions to Messi’s retirement:

FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked Messi for bringing a lot pleasure to tens of millions of soccer followers. “You’re retiring from worldwide soccer as a FIFA World Cup champion and as one of many biggest gamers our sport has ever seen. I want you all one of the best,” he mentioned.

Former Argentina ahead Angel ⁠Di Maria too paid a heartfelt tribute. “It’s so onerous to learn that you simply’re retiring; we gained’t be seeing you sporting the sky blue and white colors anymore. All I do know is that I used to be born in the fitting century to have the ability to witness you play, ⁠relish your performances and, on high of that, share all these years with you within the nationwide group. To see you fulfill your goals, and your biggest dream of all – to develop into world champion. Thanks a lot for every thing; you’re a legend and the best of all time.”

In Pictures | Defining moments of Lionel Messi’s Argentina career

2005: Messi’s worldwide debut ends in a pink card in opposition to Hungary.

2006: Lionel Messi scores his first World Cup objective in opposition to Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, June 16, 2006.

2010: Lionel Messi performs the 2010 FIFA World Cup underneath head coach and legend Diego Maradona in South Africa

2014: Messi leads Argentina to the World Cup ultimate in Brazil, however Germany deny them the trophy.

2016: After dropping consecutive Copa America finals to Chile, Messi briefly retires from worldwide soccer, solely to return months later

2018: Lionel Messi scores in opposition to Nigeria on the World Cup in Russia, however Argentina goes right down to eventual winner France

2021: Lionel Messi wins his first main worldwide trophy, profitable the Copa America in Brazil

2022: Messi leads Argentina to a different World Cup ultimate, this time in Qatar, the place the group defeats France on penalties. Messi lastly lifts the World Cup

2026: At almost 39, Messi stars at his record-equalling sixth World Cup, scoring eight targets in 5 video games as Argentina attain one other ultimate. The group is completely outclassed by Spain, and that might be Messi’s ultimate sport for his nation.

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Argentina midfielder Enzo ⁠Fernandez additionally thanked Messi, whereas including that it will be to think about the following coaching camp with out the captain. “Stepping onto the pitch and never seeing you up entrance, sporting the quantity 10. I’ve spent so a few years seeing you there that it appears unattainable to think about it some other method.

“How fortunate I used to be, Leo… thanks for treating me the best way you probably did, for every thing you taught me and for letting me be a part of your story. We’re going to overlook you a lot, captain.”

Lionel Messi at FIFA World Cups: A visual story of his goals

The Argentine Soccer ⁠Affiliation posted ​on social media: “Thanks for giving us essentially the most lovely journey of our ​lives. Your legacy and professionalism will stay without end etched in our hearts. Thanks, Captain. We love you.”

Not simply the gamers, Argentina president Javier Milei too joined in paying tribute to Messi. He shared a photograph of the soccer legend on Instagram with the caption ‘Muchas gracias HOMBRE IMPOSIBLE’ (which roughly interprets to Thanks very a lot unattainable man).

Argentine F1 driver Franco Colapinto too thanked the soccer legend, whereas additionally sharing images with Messi.

Messi’s spouse Antonela Roccuzzo additionally put out an emotional put up on Instagram, stating that she is pleased with his journey and every thing he has overcome. Antonela added, “What a privilege it has been to expertise all of this by your facet.”

One of the well-liked faces of the sport globally, Messi instructions a legion of followers even in India and could be dearly missed. Social media is flooded with emotional feedback by followers who’ve been sharing footage and movies of the legend’s triumphant moments from the sector.

Messi’s legendary soccer journey

The document eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves as a World Cup winner and twice Copa America champion. Messi stepped out of Diego Maradona’s immense shadow to create an Argentine legacy fully his personal.

After years of disappointment with Argentina, together with defeat within the 2014 World Cup ultimate and successive Copa America finals, Messi gained his first main worldwide trophy on the 2021 Copa America.

Messi then led Argentina to World Cup glory by profitable the 2022 ultimate in opposition to France in a penalty shootout in Doha. The ⁠former Barcelona and Paris St Germain ahead, who now performs for Inter Miami, added one other Copa America title in 2024. However his facet misplaced 1-0 to Spain within the 2026 World Cup ultimate. Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, scored 125 targets from 207 appearances for his nation.

(With inputs from Reuters)