Lionel Messi has received tributes from football’s biggest names and institutions after bringing his illustrious international career to an emotional end following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old Argentina captain played his final game for the national team……
Lionel Messi has received tributes from football’s biggest names and institutions after bringing his illustrious international career to an emotional end following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain played his final game for the national team in front of a packed home crowd, marking the end of a 21-year international career that saw him become the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer. Messi scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot after Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz had put the hosts ahead, while he also provided assists for both teammates.
The farewell was followed by an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, football governing bodies, clubs and opponents, with many reflecting on Messi’s achievements, influence and contribution to Argentina’s success. The Ballon d’Or described the moment as the conclusion of a remarkable period for the Argentine captain.
“THE END OF A GLORIOUS ERA. 🇦🇷🤍
Today, Lionel Messi closes his legendary chapter with the Albiceleste.
We can only say… THANK YOU, LEO. 🙏”
Benin Republic, the opponent in Messi’s final international appearance, also paid tribute to the Argentine, describing him as a role model for millions of people in the country.
“THANK YOU, LEO MESSI” 🇧🇯💛🇦🇷
“You are a role model for millions of Beninese. Thank you for all these emotions and for the honor of having played your last match against Benin.
All Argentinians are welcome in Benin.”
Former England captain Wayne Rooney revisited a message he posted in 2022 in which he hailed Messi as the greatest player of all time.
“Messi is a joke. For me the best ever.”
Rooney accompanied the old post with a brief response following Messi’s retirement.
“Nothing has changed. 🤷🏻♂️🐐”
FIFA also joined the tributes, summing up Messi’s international legacy in a short message.
“An icon. An era. A legacy. Lionel Andrés Messi. 🇦🇷”
Ronaldinho, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona and witnessed the beginning of his senior career, described it as a privilege to have been part of the Argentine’s journey.
“What a pleasure and what joy to have been part of your story from the very first day, brother! You made us smile and enjoy football so much!!! Your name is in the history of your country, of the whole world… Only we know the joy we felt when we fulfilled our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and being world champions!!!! You gave everything for your team and for your country… I understand you perfectly and I know that everything related to family makes us rethink things… Enjoy life, brother. I wish you the best, today and always”
Neymar, another former teammate of Messi at Barcelona, said the Argentine had given football fans around the world countless memorable moments.
“Whoever loves football has enjoyed it over the years…
Today is your last game with the jersey of your team, of your country and I hope you enjoy every second, that all the tributes today make you happy.
It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football.
Thank you for making me love football even more, it was an honor to have played against you and even more to make history by your side.
THANKS @leomessi 🐐”
Read Also: Lionel Messi’s International Football Retirement Full Speech
Ángel Di María, who spent 18 years playing alongside Messi for Argentina, also expressed his gratitude to his longtime international teammate.
“I had the privilege of being born in your generation. Of being able to enjoy so many years of football with you. Today you close that door that all Argentinians never wanted to hear you were going to close. But that day came and today, as every Argentine, I want to say thank you very much for everything you did for our country. For putting our flag at the highest level in the whole world. And if I had the privilege of playing for 18 years by your side. Of being more than a football teammate, of being able to share barbecues, team, national team and many more things. I only have words of gratitude towards you for all that affection you always gave me. Our flag will always be at the highest level thanks to you. I love you very much, friend 🇦🇷. THE BEST OF ALL TIME 🇦🇷”
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez also attended Messi’s farewell and thanked the Argentina captain and the Argentine Football Association for the invitation.
“I want to thank Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association for the invitation to Leo’s farewell from the National Team. An honor to be part of a historic moment. It was a great night at the Monumental.”
Messi’s former club, Barcelona, also paid tribute to the player, recalling his international journey from the 2008 Olympic Games through to his years of success with Argentina.
“From that gold medal in Beijing in 2008 to an unforgettable career, making history every step of the way with La Albiceleste. 🥇🇦🇷
Congratulations, Leo, for continuing to make Argentina’s jersey even more iconic! 🐐👏”
Bayer Leverkusen also joined the tributes with a brief message to the Argentina captain.
“🇦🇷 Gracias, Leo Messi 🫶”
RB Leipzig described Messi as one of football’s greatest players while congratulating him on his international career.
“One of the greatest footballers of all time 🐐
Congratulations Lionel #Messi on a phenomenal international career with Argentina! 🇦🇷👏”
Messi ends his Argentina career with 208 appearances and 126 goals, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima with the national team.
