The Argentine Football Association (AFA) thanked legendary footballer Lionel Messi for his remarkable contribution and lasting legacy after he announced his retirement from international football in a social media post on Monday. In an X post, AFA thanked Messi for the memorable journey and lasting legacy he created for Argentine football, praising his professionalism and calling him a beloved captain. Messi, in an Instagram post, said he had made the call just two days after Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain.
He also said the death of his father, Jorge Messi, influenced his decision, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career to an end.
“Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts. Thank you, Captain. “Eternal thanks, Leo. “Your unconditional love for our country, your inner battles to never give up, your strength to always endure injustice, your leadership and humanity with every player who stepped onto the training ground, making sure they felt comfortable, and the care you showed every member of staff in our national team. Just thank you. The greatest of all time. Thank you for making us so incredibly happy. You can’t imagine how many smiles you brought to our faces!! You are eternal,” Messi’s Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo de Paul reacted to his post. In this year’s World Cup, Messi had eight goals to his name and four assists, making him one of the standout performers in the tournament. This also included his maiden FIFA WC hat-trick against Algeria. He had overtaken Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record of most FIFA World Cup goals before Mbappe snatched the top spot from him. Messi will, however, continue playing for his club, Inter Miami, in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The legendary footballer appeared in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, scoring 21 goals in 34 matches. He is the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament’s history, with France’s Mbappe holding the record with 22 goals.
We love you,” said AFA on X. We’ll love you until the end of our days,” said AFA in another post.
