The stars bid farewell to Messi: "The best in history, extraterrestrial"
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football with the Argentine national team. Fellow football icons including Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Luka Modric have publicly paid tribute to his legendary career and impact on the sport.
Why it matters
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, and his departure marks the end of a significant era in international football.
Messi put an end to his spell with the national team. He leaves behind titles, goals and memorable performances, and ahead of him he creates a void that will be difficult to fill in the Albiceleste. As soon as the match against Benin ended, his last with his national side, praise for him followed. Leo received beautiful words from both teammates and rivals. 'Ronaldinho left one of the most emotional messages. "What a pleasure and what joy to have been part of your story from day one, brother! You made us smile and enjoy football so much... Your name is in the history of your country, and of the whole world. Only we know the joy we felt in fulfilling our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and becoming world champions. You gave everything for your national team and for your country.
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