Lionel Messi's announcement of his retirement from international football with Argentina sparked widespread reactions in the football community, especially among teammates who accompanied him over recent years with "The Tango Dancers."
According to Argentina's TNT Sports network, numerous players from the Argentine national team were keen to send heartfelt messages to Messi following his announcement, in appreciation of his contributions to the squad and the achievements he accomplished throughout his international career.
Heartfelt Messages to Lionel Messi
Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi's closest friends both on and off the pitch, was among the first players to send a message to Argentina's captain, praising his character, leadership, and role with every member of the national team.
De Paul wrote on his social media accounts: "Your unconditional love for our country, your relentless inner struggle never to give up, your strength in enduring injustice, your leadership and humanity toward every player who entered training grounds making them feel welcomed, and your gentle gestures toward each member of the national team staff—thank you, greatest player of all time."
The Inter Miami midfielder added: "Thank you for bringing us so much joy; you cannot imagine how many smiles you put on our faces. You are eternal."
Supportive messages did not stop with De Paul, as Alexis Mac Allister also sent a brief message to Messi, saying: "Thank you for everything you have given us on and off the field."
Thank You Forever
Lautaro Martínez also directed a personal message to Argentina's captain, writing: "Thank you forever, Captain," referring to the profound impact Messi has left on the current generation of the national team.
For his part, Ángel Di María, one of the players who shared many years with Messi wearing Argentina's jersey, posted a message on Instagram stating: "Thank you forever, Captain."
Leandro Paredes also expressed his gratitude to Messi, writing: "Thank you for everything; you will remain the greatest of all time. We love you, Captain."
Cristian Romero, defender of the Argentine national team, sent a special message to Messi, saying: "I love you, I admire you, and I will always be grateful for everything you have left within me and in our country. Thank you very much, Captain."
Giuliano Simeone, who did not spend many years alongside Messi in the national team, delivered a different kind of message, recalling memories from when he was a child watching Argentina's captain on television screens.
Simeone said: "I watched you play when I was a child and dreamed of one day playing alongside you. Life has granted me far more than I ever imagined: wearing the national team jersey, sharing the locker room with you, and playing in the World Cup beside you."
He added: "Thank you, Leo, for everything you have given our country, for all the feelings you made us experience, and for being an inspiration to many of us since childhood."
