Alejandro Domínguez, president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), sent a message to the legend Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team, after he announced his international retirement in a surprise that football fans did not expect to come so soon.
Messi wrote a long and moving message through his official social media accounts, announcing his decision (To read Messi's message and his announcement of international retirement, click here).
Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international football was understandable following the loss in the 2026 World Cup final and the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
The president of the South American Football Confederation said, via his account on "X," as reported by the newspaper "Mundo Deportivo": "Dear Leo, today we can only thank you for many years of defending your country's jersey with utmost pride."
He continued: "We thank you for believing in achieving exceptional feats and for constantly elevating Argentine football and South American football to the highest level."
He added: "It is a true honor for me to have witnessed many unforgettable moments from that exceptional journey for our continent and the world."
He concluded: "Your legacy will remain eternal, not only for what you achieved, but also for the human character you possess and the values you have always conveyed, namely humility, respect, commitment, and love for football."
