Lionel Messi retirement leaves Argentina team-mates searching for words

Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football has prompted an outpouring of tributes from Argentina team-mates, with Rodrigo De Paul calling him “the greatest player of all time” and Leandro Paredes saying words could not express his legacy.

Messi announced his decision in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Monday evening.

“After all this time since the World Cup final, and after deep thought, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing for the national team,” Messi wrote.

“It was a painful decision and it still hurts me deeply, but I realise that the time has come.”

The announcement was met with emotional messages from several of the players who have shared Messi’s recent international journey under Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.

Together, they helped end Argentina’s long wait for major international honours, and their reactions reflected both pride in Messi’s achievements and gratitude for his leadership.

De Paul, a close friend of Messi with both Argentina and Inter Miami, posted an extended tribute on his Instagram story.

“Thank you for your unconditional love for our country, your internal battles so that you would never give up, your unshakeable strength in always facing injustice, your leadership and humanity with every player who enters the camp so that they feel comfortable, and your gentle gestures towards every member of the national team,” De Paul wrote.

He concluded: “Thank you, greatest player of all time. Thank you for making us this happy. You cannot imagine how many smiles you created. You are immortal in our memories forever.”

Paredes also addressed Messi directly on Instagram, writing: “News, but clearly it was not like that. Thank you for everything you have given me as an Argentinian, as a fan of the national team, as a team-mate and as a friend.”

He added: “Words fail when talking about you, your legacy and your greatness as a player and, above all, as a human being. I am very lucky to have played alongside you during this beautiful journey with our national team, your national team.”

Paredes ended his message by writing: “I love you, shorty. I wish you all the happiness always! Our country will remain grateful to you forever for all the unforgettable moments you gave us.”

Nicolas Tagliafico shared a photograph of himself embracing Messi on his Instagram story, adding only: “Thank you forever.”

Tributes also came from Argentine clubs, including River Plate.

The club published an image of a supporter holding an Argentina number 10 shirt in the stands at El Monumental in Buenos Aires. The fan’s message to Messi read: “Thank you, captain.”

River Plate also shared several photographs of Messi at the stadium, documenting some of his historic moments there.

Messi’s statement brings another chapter of his Argentina career into focus after years of intense scrutiny and disappointment with the national team. His latest international journey was taken alongside the players who have now paid tribute to the captain for his influence on and off the pitch.