Social media users have flooded X with emotional tributes following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football with Argentina. Messi announced his retirement in an emotional Instagram post following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The 39-year-old Argentina captain said the decision was painful……
Social media users have flooded X with emotional tributes following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football with Argentina.
Messi announced his retirement in an emotional Instagram post following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain said the decision was painful but that he believed “the time has come” to step away from international football.
“It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come,” Messi wrote.
Following the announcement, fans took to X to celebrate the Inter Miami forward’s career with Argentina, with many describing his retirement as the end of an era.
An X user, @AGN_Mv, wrote: “END OF AN ERA. You were, you are, and you will always be the ‘GOAT of Football’. 🐐 THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, LIONEL MESSI.”
....: BREAKING: Lionel Messi Retires From International Football
Another user, @nrOwshin, thanked Messi for the memories and described supporters as fortunate to have witnessed his career.
“End of an Era. Thank you for every memory, every moment, and every emotion. We were lucky to witness the greatest of all time. 🇦🇷🐐. Thank you, Leo,” the user wrote.
For @biidiie, Messi’s retirement was an emotional moment, with the user saying the Argentine team would not be the same without its captain.
“Messi making grown people cry man, not once not twice but over and over again. The argentinas team won’t be the same without you but we also know the team will always have you in their spirit. You’ve changed the course of football and touched so many hearts. You are so LOVED LEO,” she wrote.
Another fan, @Iamdigiman, used Messi’s retirement to throw a subtle jab at Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, questioning whether the veteran forward would also step away from international football.
“What’s RONALDO waiting for? Abi e wan play next world cup again? He is always cooking something,” the user wrote.
X user @Franchette90064 also said Messi’s international retirement was difficult to accept, while crediting him with inspiring a love for football and Argentina.
“Thank you for everything Lionel Messi, the greatest to ever do it. You made me fall in love with football and Argentina. We are not ready for your international 🇦🇷 retirement, thank you, just thank you 🙌 🙏 Wish to see you in this color once more,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, @KhumaloSey reflected on Messi’s lengthy international career, writing: “20 years of witnessing greatness. We really got to live through the Messi era.”
Messi made his Argentina debut more than two decades ago and went on to win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with the national team.
In his retirement message, Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina and thanked supporters for standing by him through the difficult years and the team’s eventual success.
“I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentine through football,” he said.
He also acknowledged the emergence of younger Argentine players who deserve opportunities with the national team.
“I gave everything I had, and I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some very talented young players coming through who deserve their opportunity,” Messi wrote.
Messi also thanked Argentine supporters, saying he would continue to follow the national team from outside the pitch.
“Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside, through the good times and, even more so, through the bad,” he said.
He concluded his farewell with a message reflecting his connection to Argentina.
“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.”
“Vamos Argentina!”
