Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammates pay tribute after international retirement: ‘The greatest of all time’
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football after a 21-year career with the Argentina national team. Former teammates have paid tribute to his legacy, citing his leadership and his role in winning the 2022 World Cup.
Why it matters
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, and his retirement marks the end of a significant era in global sports.
Lionel Messi 's former Argentina teammates have paid tribute to their retiring captain after the great No 10 brought the curtain down on his international career.
Messi confirmed on Monday that his Argentina career was at an end after 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country.
The 39-year-old, who will continue to play on for Inter Miami, led the nation to World Cup triumph in 2022, and again captained them to the final of this year's tournament.
Lionel Messi has retired from international football (PA)
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward retires as the second leading male goalscorer in international football, with Messi behind only great on-field rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
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