Lionel Messi on Monday (August 31, 2026) announced his retirement from international football, leading to an outpouring of tribute and farewell messages to the football legend who is often called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
The 39-year-old Argentina footballer, who captained his team to World Cup glory in 2022 and another final in 2026, made the announcement on Instagram, describing it as “a decision that hurts the soul.” Reactions to Messi’s retirement FIFA president Gianni Infantino, former England captain David Beckham and fellow Argentinian players are among those who have dedicated glowing tributes to the sporting icon.
Here’s a look at the reactions to Messi’s retirement: Messi’s glorious position in football is set in stone FIFA president Gianni Infantino thanked Messi for bringing so much joy to millions of football fans.
“You are retiring from international football as a FIFA World Cup champion and as one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen.
I wish you all the best,” he said.
Former English footballer David Beckham too has joined into applaud the legacy of Messi as the Argentina icon brings the curtains down on his illustrious career.
Taking to Instagram, Beckham posted, “This is the moment we get to look back on and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream....
Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever.
Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina.” Former Argentina forward Angel Di Maria too paid a heartfelt tribute.
“It’s so hard to read that you’re retiring; we won’t be seeing you wearing the sky blue and white colours anymore.
All I know is that I was born in the right century to be able to witness you play, relish your performances and, on top of that, share all those years with you in the national team.
To see you fulfill your dreams, and your greatest dream of all – to become world champion.
Thank you so much for everything; you’re a legend and the greatest of all time.” In Pictures | Defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career 2005: Messi’s international debut ends in a red card against Hungary.
2006: Lionel Messi scores his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, June 16, 2006.
2010: Lionel Messi plays the 2010 FIFA World Cup under head coach and legend Diego Maradona in South Africa 2014: Messi leads Argentina to the World Cup final in Brazil, but Germany deny them the trophy.
2016: After losing consecutive Copa America finals to Chile, Messi briefly retires from international football, only to return months later 2018: Lionel Messi scores against Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia, but Argentina goes down to eventual winner France 2021: Lionel Messi wins his first major international trophy, winning the Copa America in Brazil 2022: Messi leads Argentina to another World Cup final, this time in Qatar, where the team defeats France on penalties.
Messi finally lifts the World Cup 2026: At nearly 39, Messi stars at his record-equalling sixth World Cup, scoring eight goals in five games as Argentina reach another final.
The team is thoroughly outclassed by Spain, and that would be Messi's final game for his country.
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