'All the joy he gave us': Argentines thank Messi as he announces international retirement
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football following a storied career that included a 2022 World Cup victory. Argentines have expressed widespread gratitude and emotional tributes to the player, acknowledging his profound impact on the nation's sports culture.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement marks the end of an era for global football, reflecting the deep cultural and emotional connection between sports icons and their home nations.
Argentines saluted Lionel Messi on Monday (August 31, 2026) after the soccer great confirmed the news many had long expected but still found painful: his retirement from the national team.
“It’s going to be difficult, but I’m super grateful for all the joy he gave us, as a country,” said Francisca Mieth, an 18-year-old university student, in Buenos Aires' leafy Belgrano neighbourhood.
Nearby, dog walker Jose Aramburu said Messi’s refusal to give up had left a lasting mark on Argentina.
“The most important thing that Messi gave us was the fact that he insisted, persisted and pursued a dream, a goal, an objective, without caring about what other people said,” the 36-year-old said.
Messi, 39, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and another final in 2026, announced his international retirement on Instagram on Monday, describing it as "a decision that hurts the soul."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in