FIFA President Gianni Infantino has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s retirement from international football.
Messi brought the curtain down on his illustrious Argentina career after making his final appearance for the world champions, ending a journey that spanned more than two decades and established him as one of the greatest players in football history.
Reacting to the announcement, Infantino took to Instagram to thank the Inter Miami forward for his contributions to the game and wished him well in the next chapter of his career.
“Congratulations, Messi, thank you very much! Argentine fans and Messi loyalists worldwide were incredibly emotional seeing you perform that timeless magic in the national team jersey for the last time! Good luck, legend,” Infantino wrote.
The FIFA president accompanied the message with a photograph of himself and Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, a symbol of the Argentine captain’s crowning achievement with the national team.
Messi retires as Argentina’s most-capped player, having made 208 appearances for La Albiceleste. He also leaves as the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the most decorated players in international football history.
During his remarkable career with Argentina, Messi won the FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles and numerous individual honours, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
With his international chapter now closed, the 39-year-old will turn his full attention to club football with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
The tributes continue to pour in from across the football world, with fans, teammates, former opponents and football officials celebrating the legacy of a player whose impact on the international stage will be remembered for generations.
