Lionel Messi confirms Argentina retirement as Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute

Lionel Messi has confirmed that Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin was his final appearance for the national team, ending a 21-year international career that included a World Cup triumph and Copa America success.

The 39-year-old announced the decision in a message on social media after Wednesday’s match, describing his feelings about leaving the Argentina shirt as mixed. Messi said he already missed wearing the famous sky-blue and white colours, but was certain he had made the right choice.

“Yesterday’s match was my last one, and I already miss wearing the sky-blue and white shirt,” Messi wrote. “I know I am making the right decision. It has been an incredible journey, filled with joy as well as some sadness, but I am sure that every step I took was worth it.”

The Argentina captain added that he still had much to say about his time with the national side, explaining that the full range of his emotions could not be expressed in a short message.

“There are still many things I want to say. It is impossible to express everything I feel in a few words or in one post,” he said. “This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times when I needed them most.”

Messi remembers Maradona

Messi also thanked his former team-mates, coaches and staff members, while paying tribute to the late Diego Maradona.

“My friends were also an essential part, as were all my team-mates and coaches I worked with, together with their technical staff,” he said. “And I do not want to forget Diego, who put our country in the place it deserved. As I always say, I know he helped us, whether he was with us here or from heaven, in every step we took.”

He thanked the clubs he had represented for respecting his desire to join up with Argentina whenever international duty called.

“Thank you to the clubs I played for, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to devote myself to my country when it was time to wear the national-team shirt,” Messi said. “And of course, thank you to God, because without his guidance and will, we would not even have dreamed of reaching this point.”

Messi ended by saying: “I am grateful to you. I love you very much, I will miss you, and I will always thank you for being there for us and for me.”

Messi made more than 200 appearances for Argentina and became the country’s record goalscorer by a considerable margin. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he led them to the 2022 World Cup and a Copa America title, establishing himself as one of the most important players in the nation’s history.

Ronaldo sends emotional message

Cristiano Ronaldo responded to Messi’s post on Instagram, writing: “Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever. All my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug.”

The pair’s names have been linked through years of rivalry, but their relationship has developed into one of mutual respect rather than hostility.

Ronaldo’s message came as he faces difficulties with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. He has left the squad’s training camp and could face disciplinary action, although he said on Tuesday that he had no plans to retire from international football.

In August, Ronaldo also sent condolences to Messi following the death of the Argentine’s father.