Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following his international retirement, saying the forward’s legacy “exceeds any trophy.”
After weeks of speculation in the wake of Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain, Messi confirmed on Monday that he would step away from international football.
He does so as Argentina’s all-time leading appearance-maker (207) and scorer (125), having captained his country to glory at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 editions of the Copa America.
Messi has played more games (34), registered more goal involvements (33) and laid on more assists (12) than any other player in World Cup history, while only Kylian Mbappe (22) has bettered his 21 goals at FIFA’s flagship tournament.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also leads the all-time World Cup charts for shots (140), shots on target (64), chances created (99), expected goals (19.6 xG) and dribbles (250).
Having scored twice in the 2022 showpiece – which Argentina won on penalties following a 3-3 draw with France – Messi enjoyed a sensational 2026 tournament, scoring eight goals including his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria.
And after the Inter Miami superstar announced his intention to focus on the club game, the AFA released a lengthy statement thanking him for his contributions across a 21-year international career.
“Today, the Argentine Football Association simply wants to say thank you. There are stories that transcend results, records and titles,” the statement read.
“There are stories that become part of a country’s identity. Lionel Messi’s history with the Argentine National Team is one of them.
“As a player, captain and point of reference, Messi was the protagonist of one of the most glorious eras of our team. He won the Copa America, the Finalissima and the World Cup. But his legacy exceeds any trophy: he left a way of understanding football, a way of representing the country and a unique bond with millions of Argentines.
Gracias eternas, Leo. Te vamos a amar hasta el final de nuestros días pic.twitter.com/7VVV2doDZP
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) August 31, 2026
“Thank you for every goal. For each assist. For each dribble. For each game. For every hug after a victory and for every tear after a defeat. Thank you for having defended our jersey on every stage and for having taken the name of Argentina to the top.
“Thank you for being our captain. The number 10 jersey will forever be associated with your name, but it will also be associated with a generation that learned to never stop trying.
“Because before glory there were falls, criticisms, lost endings and difficult moments. And it was precisely after each hit that you chose to return. That is also your legacy.
“Thank you for everything, Leo. Thank you for representing Argentina. Thank you for turning so many dreams into reality. The story continues. The legend, forever, is yours.”
Messi scored four goals in his last MLS outing as Inter Miami thrashed CF Montreal 7-1 on Saturday, with the Herons currently third in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
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