Argentina stars react to Lionel Messi’s retirement from national team

Legend Lionel Messi officially announced his retirement from international football, delivering an emotional farewell to the Albiceleste. He revealed that he had made the decision to retire just two days after the World Cup final but chose to keep it private until after the passing of his father.

Messi’s departure, a significant loss for Argentina, prompted an outpouring of emotion from his closest teammates and leaders within the federation. According to a report by Reuters, the team came together to honor their captain’s profound impact on both the field and in the lives of those around him.

AFA President Claudio Tapia called Messi “the captain of our dreams,” reflecting on how “that kid, ‘La Pulga’, that alien… made us believe in magic. The Argentina national team shirt is your flag. And our people’s love for you will last forever.”

Midfielder Enzo Fernández expressed his heartbreak over entering the next camp without their iconic No. 10: “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.” Forward Lautaro Martínez emphasized Messi’s resilience, noting: “Beyond everything you achieved on the pitch, what stays with me is everything you taught us off it: never to give up, to keep trying after every setback, to work quietly and, above all, to always believe in ourselves.”

Longtime midfield partner Rodrigo De Paul hailed his captain as “the greatest of all time,” adding: “Thank you for making us so, so happy… You are eternal.” Meanwhile, former attacking partner Ángel Di María wrote: “All I know is that I was born in the right century to be able to witness you play… and, on top of that, share all those years with you in the national team… you’re a legend.”

The emotional tributes reached the highest levels of the sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino took to Instagram to congratulate the 2022 World Cup winner, praising his humility, record achievements, and unmatched ability to unite global fans.

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