Thank you, Messi: FIFA president, Angel Di Maria pay glowing tributes to the ‘GOAT’

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Argentina’s Lionel Messi is thrown in the air in celebration by teammates as Argentina qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Cup on July 7, 2026 | Photo Credit: Reuters

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.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino 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:

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 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.”

Argentina midfielder Enzo ⁠Fernandez also thanked Messi, while adding that it would be to imagine the next training camp without the captain. “Stepping onto the pitch and not seeing you up front, wearing the number 10. I’ve spent so many years seeing you there that it seems impossible to imagine it any other way.

“How lucky I was, Leo... thank you for treating me the way you did, for everything you taught me and for letting me be part of your story. We’re going to miss you so much, captain.”

The Argentine Football ⁠Association posted ​on social media: “Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our ​lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts. Thank you, Captain. We love you.”

Not just the players, Argentina president Javier Milei too joined in paying tribute to Messi. He shared a photo of the soccer legend on Instagram with the caption ‘Muchas gracias HOMBRE IMPOSIBLE’ (which roughly translates to Thank you very much impossible man).

Argentine F1 driver Franco Colapinto too thanked the football legend, while also sharing photos with Messi.

Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo also put out an emotional post on Instagram, stating that she is proud of his journey and everything he has overcome.