After announcing his retirement from the Argentine national team on Monday (August 31), football superstar Lionel Messi has been flooded with heartwarming responses. The national team and the Argentine Football Association expressed “eternal gratitude” and infinite love for the player who wore the blue and white jersey, thanking Messi for bringing Argentina’s name to the top of the world and leaving behind a precious legacy.
Messi holds the record for the most appearances (207 matches) and goals scored (125 goals) in the history of the Argentine national team. He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, as well as the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
“Eternal gratitude, Leo (Messi), we will love you until the end of our lives,” the Argentine national team posted on the social media platform X.
“Thank you for bringing us the most beautiful journey in our lives. Your legend and professionalism will forever be engraved in our hearts. Thank you, captain. We love you,” the national team said.
The Argentine Football Association released a statement thanking Messi for his contributions during his 21-year international career.
“Today, the Argentine Football Association just wants to say thank you to you. Some stories go beyond achievements, records, and championship titles,” the statement said. “Some stories ultimately become part of a nation’s identity. Lionel Messi’s history with the Argentine national team is one of them.”
“As a player, captain, and key figure of our team, Messi was a protagonist in one of our team’s most glorious eras. He won the Copa America, Euro-American Cup, and World Cup. But the legacy he leaves behind is more than just these trophies: he leaves behind a football philosophy, a way of representing our country, and a unique emotional bond with millions of Argentinians.”
“Thank you for every goal, every assist, every amazing dribble, every game. Thank you for every embrace after victory, and also for every tear shed after defeat. Thank you for defending our jersey on every stage, and for bringing Argentina’s name to the top of the world.”
“Thank you for being our captain. The number 10 jersey will forever be associated with your name, and it will also be linked with a generation of players who never give up,” the statement said. “Because before glory, you experienced falls, criticisms, failures, and tough times. And it’s after every setback that you chose to stand up again. This, too, is the precious legacy you leave behind.”
“Thank you for everything, Leo (Messi). Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for turning countless dreams into reality. The story will continue. But the legend will forever belong to you.”