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

Lionel Messi on Monday (August 31, 2026) announced his retirement from international football, leading to an outpouring of tribute and farewell messages to the football legend who is often called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

The 39-year-old Argentina footballer, who captained his team to World Cup glory in 2022 and ‌another final in 2026, made the announcement on Instagram, describing it as “a decision that hurts the soul.”

Reactions to Messi’s retirement

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and fellow Argentinian players are among those who have dedicated glowing tributes to the sporting icon. Here’s a look at the reactions to Messi’s retirement:

FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked Messi for bringing so much joy to millions of football fans. “You are retiring from international football as a FIFA World Cup champion and as one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. I wish you all the best,” he said.

Former Argentina forward Angel ⁠Di Maria too paid a heartfelt tribute. “It’s so hard to read that you’re retiring; we won’t be seeing you wearing the sky blue and white colours anymore. 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. To see you fulfill your dreams, and your greatest dream of all – to become world champion. Thank you so much for everything; you’re a legend and the greatest of all time.”

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

2005: Messi’s international debut ends in a red card against Hungary.

2006: Lionel Messi scores his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, June 16, 2006.

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

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

2016: After losing consecutive Copa America finals to Chile, Messi briefly retires from international football, only to return months later

2018: Lionel Messi scores against Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia, but Argentina goes down to eventual winner France

2021: Lionel Messi wins his first major international trophy, winning the Copa America in Brazil

2022: Messi leads Argentina to another World Cup final, this time in Qatar, where the team defeats France on penalties. Messi finally lifts the World Cup

2026: At nearly 39, Messi stars at his record-equalling sixth World Cup, scoring eight goals in five games as Argentina reach another final. The team is thoroughly outclassed by Spain, and that would be Messi’s final game for his country.

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Argentina midfielder Enzo ⁠Fernandez also thanked Messi, while adding that it would be to imagine the next training camp without the captain. “Stepping onto the pitch and not seeing you up front, wearing the number 10. I’ve spent so many years seeing you there that it seems impossible to imagine it any other way.

“How lucky I was, Leo… thank you for treating me the way you did, for everything you taught me and for letting me be part of your story. We’re going to miss you so much, captain.”

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

The Argentine Football ⁠Association posted ​on social media: “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. We love you.”

Not just the players, Argentina president Javier Milei too joined in paying tribute to Messi. He shared a photo of the soccer legend on Instagram with the caption ‘Muchas gracias HOMBRE IMPOSIBLE’ (which roughly translates to Thank you very much impossible man).

Argentine F1 driver Franco Colapinto too thanked the football legend, while also sharing photos with Messi.

Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo also put out an emotional post on Instagram, stating that she is proud of his journey and everything he has overcome. Antonela added, “What a privilege it has been to experience all of this by your side.”

One of the most popular faces of the game globally, Messi commands a legion of fans even in India and would be dearly missed. Social media is flooded with emotional comments by fans who have been sharing pictures and videos of the legend’s triumphant moments from the field.

Messi’s legendary football journey

The record 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 entirely his own.

After years of disappointment with Argentina, including defeat in the 2014 World Cup final and successive Copa America finals, Messi won his first major international trophy at the 2021 Copa America.

Messi then led Argentina to World Cup glory by winning the 2022 final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha. The ⁠former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward, who now plays for Inter Miami, added another Copa America title in 2024. But his side lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, scored 125 goals from 207 appearances for his country.

(With inputs from Reuters)