Several players from the Argentina national team commented on legendary Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international football with La Albiceleste, after he officially announced it on Monday.
Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international play has caused widespread sadness within Argentine football circles.
Messi's last international appearance for Argentina came in the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain, where Spain won 1-0.
Ángel Di María wrote in response to Messi's Instagram post: "We will forever be grateful to you for being Argentine, for leading Argentina to the top of the world, for choosing Argentina when you could have easily chosen anything else. Thank you, captain; thank you for everything. You are the greatest in history."
Rodrigo De Paul wrote: "Your unconditional love for our nation, your relentless fight never to give up, your strength in enduring injustice, your leadership and humanity toward every player on the pitch, making them all feel welcome, your wonderful gestures toward every member of the national team staff—thank you, greatest player of all time. Thank you for bringing us immense joy; you cannot imagine how many smiles you put on our faces. You are eternal."
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Leandro Paredes also wrote: "Thank you for absolutely everything. You will always be the greatest of all time! We love you, captain."
Lisandro Martínez wrote: "Truly profound sadness; no one can prepare for something like this. But thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are my idol and a role model for everyone—a winner in both football and life. My daughter will be incredibly proud that her father played alongside an exceptional human being like you on the same team. You are the best athlete in history because, in football, there is simply no comparison. I love you very much."
Cuti Romero commented: "I love you and will forever be grateful for everything you have given us and our country. Thank you forever, captain."
Giovanni Simeone sent an emotional message to Messi, saying: "I watched you play when I was a child and dreamed of one day sharing the pitch with you. Life gave me far more than I ever imagined: wearing the national team jersey, sharing the locker room with you, and playing beside you in a World Cup. Thank you, Leo, for everything you've done for our country, for everything you've made us feel, and for being an inspiration to so many since we were children."
He added: "Today, the player we all love bids farewell to the national team, but for me, the idol I looked up to intensely as a child and was fortunate enough to have by my side someday, is also saying goodbye. You are eternal; thank you beyond measure."
