FIFA president and Angel Di Maria pay tribute after Lionel Messi's international retirement
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026, prompting tributes from FIFA president Gianni Infantino and former Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria.
The 39-year-old captain, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and to the 2026 final, described his decision as “a decision that hurts the soul.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked Messi for bringing joy to millions of fans and said: “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.”
Former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria paid a heartfelt tribute, writing: “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.”
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez also posted a message to Messi, saying: “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.” The Argentine Football Association added 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.”
Argentina president Javier Milei shared a photo of Messi on Instagram with the caption ‘Muchas gracias HOMBRE IMPOSIBLE.’ Argentine F1 driver Franco Colapinto also posted thanks and photos with Messi, while Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo wrote: “What a privilege it has been to experience all of this by your side.” Social media in India and elsewhere filled with fans sharing images and videos of Messi’s career moments.
Messi, a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and a former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward who now plays for Inter Miami, won the 2021 Copa America and led Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, beating France on penalties in Doha, added another Copa America title in 2024 and finished as a runner-up after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and scored 125 goals from 207 appearances for his country.
