Messi retires from Argentina duty at 39: 'Eternal' in teammates' eyes

The football world has paid tribute to Argentina's "eternal" superstar Lionel Messi after he announced his retirement from the national team at age 39. The record holder for most caps and goals for Argentina, with 125 goals in 207 appearances, said on Monday that ending his international career "still hurts deep inside" but "the time has come to stop."

Following the death of his father, Jorge, last month, Messi admitted he had "serious doubts" about whether to continue playing in any form "much longer."

Angel Di Maria, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar alongside Messi, said it was "hard" to think fans would no longer see the iconic forward in Argentina's blue-and-white jersey. "I only know that I was born in the right century to see him, enjoy him, and, even more, to share all these years with him on the national team," Di Maria said.

Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's teammate at Inter Miami (MLS), praised the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's "unconditional love" for his country. "Just want to say thank you, greatest of all time, thank you for making us immensely happy, you can't imagine how many smiles you have brought," De Paul wrote. "You are eternal."

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez said it would be difficult to imagine the next squad gathering without Messi, who also led them to the 2026 World Cup final in North America this year. "Stepping onto the pitch without seeing him up there, wearing the number 10. I've seen him there for so many years that it's impossible to imagine it any other way," Fernandez added.

Striker Lautaro Martinez said there were not "enough words" to thank Messi for what he gave to the country he debuted for in 2005. "Beyond everything he achieved on the pitch, what stays with me is all he taught us off it: never give up, keep trying after every failure, work quietly, and above all, always believe in yourself," Martinez said. "We will miss you so much, captain. We will be forever grateful to have shared the journey with you. Thank you for everything, captain!"

'You made us believe in miracles'

Beyond his national teammates, Messi also received tributes from Argentine President Javier Milei, who called him an "amazing man," while the country's football federation president Claudio Tapia called him the "captain of dreams."

"That kid, 'La Pulga,' the alien who did things that once seemed impossible... You have been a legend of this land, of our national team, and of world football," Tapia said. "You made us believe in miracles. And perhaps that's why we find it hard to accept that time passes for you too. The Argentina jersey is your flag. And the love of our people for you will last forever."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Messi on his brilliant career, adding that he had brought "joy to millions of fans." "You retire from international football as a World Cup champion and one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. I wish you all the best," Infantino said.

Tributes were not limited to football. Argentine Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto, currently with Alpine F1, also thanked Messi. "We are lucky to have had you and to have enjoyed watching you for a long time," he said. "Thank you for getting up time and again and giving everything to make a whole country happy. You are a role model for all of us."

Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, also praised him: "What a privilege to be by your side on this journey and to see you fulfill all your dreams. You deserve this story and more. We love you endlessly."