Lionel Messi has put an end to his spell with the Argentina national team. His farewell came in the match against Benin, and once it was over the tributes began to pour in from both teammates and rivals. He leaves behind titles, goals and memorable performances, and ahead of him he creates a void that will be difficult for the Albiceleste to fill.
Ronaldinho left one of the most emotional messages, writing on X: “What a pleasure and what joy to have been part of your story from day one, brother! You made us smile and enjoy football so much… Your name is in the history of your country, and of the whole world. Only we know the joy we felt in fulfilling our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and becoming world champions. You gave everything for your national 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 also joined the public tribute on social media, addressing Messi directly on the day of his last match in his country’s jersey. “Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you over these years… Today is your last match wearing your national team’s jersey, your country’s jersey, and I hope you enjoy every second, that all of today’s tributes make you happy. It’s not only 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 so to make history by your side. Thank you, Leo Messi,” he posted.
Luka Modric spoke about the farewell after Croatia’s match against Spain. “What can you say about Messi? It’s a shame that he is saying goodbye to his national team, but it’s his decision and it has to be respected. He won the World Cup he wanted, he is one of the best players in the world and it has been a pleasure to watch him play, although I have suffered a lot because of him with the national team and with Madrid. He is a unique footballer. I wish him the best of luck,” he said.
Arturo Vidal was briefer but no less direct in his tribute on Instagram. “Today you play your last match for your country, my friend. I wish you the very best always. The best in history, extraterrestrial,” he wrote.
Among Messi’s current Argentina teammates, Julián Álvarez sent one of the most emotional messages. “What a privilege it was to share the field and so many moments with you. First, I admired you as a kid, like millions of Argentines who grew up dreaming of becoming footballers because of you. Then, I was lucky enough to meet you, be your teammate, and experience things I will never forget. Thank you for everything you gave us, for representing our country the way you did, and for leaving us a legacy that goes far beyond football. We’re going to miss you so much in the sky blue and white. To me, you will always be the greatest. Thank you so much, Leo,” he posted on Instagram.