Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football: Teammates Pay Tribute

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, concluding a remarkable career filled with records and emotional moments. Following his announcement, teammates like Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul paid heartfelt tributes, highlighting Messi's impact on Argentine football. In his statement, Messi expressed gratitude for the support he received and acknowledged the rise of young talent in the national team. With a legacy as Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, Messi's contributions to the sport are unparalleled. While he steps away from international play, he will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Read on to discover more about Messi's journey and the tributes from his teammates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 23:07 IST

Messi's Retirement Announcement

On August 31, Argentina's football legend Lionel Messi declared his retirement from international football, marking the end of an illustrious career filled with remarkable achievements and emotional moments. This announcement came just over a month after Argentina's narrow defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final and shortly after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8.

Tributes from Teammates

Following Messi's retirement announcement, several of his teammates expressed their admiration and gratitude. Angel Di Maria, Lisandro Martinez, and Rodrigo De Paul shared heartfelt messages, emphasizing Messi's significant contributions to Argentine football.

Angel Di Maria: 'The Greatest in History'

Di Maria expressed his gratitude, stating, "We will forever be thankful for your dedication to Argentina and for leading us to the pinnacle of world football. Thank you, Captain. You are the greatest in history."

Rodrigo De Paul: 'Thank You for the Joy'

Rodrigo De Paul, who plays alongside Messi at Inter Miami, praised his unwavering commitment to the national team and his ability to uplift those around him. He remarked, "Your love for our country and your resilience have brought us immense joy. You are eternal."

Lisandro Martinez: 'A Winner in Life'

Lisandro Martinez referred to Messi as the "greatest athlete in history," expressing his sadness over the retirement while acknowledging Messi's exemplary character and influence.

Enzo Fernandez: 'We'll Miss You, Captain'

Enzo Fernandez shared his personal journey, recalling how he once calculated the age difference to see if he could play alongside Messi. He reflected on their shared experiences and the impact Messi had on his career, stating, "It’s hard to imagine a training camp without you. Thank you for everything, Captain."

Messi's Emotional Statement

In a poignant statement, Messi shared, "After much reflection, I have decided to retire from the national team. This decision is painful, but I believe it is the right time." He acknowledged the emergence of young talent in the squad and expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career.

Messi concluded his statement with heartfelt thanks to his family, coaches, and teammates, stating, "I leave with pride, knowing we created unforgettable moments together. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine."

A Legendary Career

Messi holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals. His career highlights include winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and the Copa America in 2021, ending a 28-year title drought for Argentina.

He has participated in six FIFA World Cups, scoring 21 goals, making him the second-highest scorer in the tournament's history. Despite his international retirement, Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where the team currently ranks fourth.