Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Lionel Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina Amid Emotional Tributes
Lionel Messi has said goodbye to Argentina’s national football team.
He played for Argentina for many years and became its captain.
Four years ago, he helped the team win the World Cup in Qatar.
His teammates wrote emotional messages to thank him.
Lautaro Martínez said Messi taught the team never to give up.
Ángel Di María thanked him for choosing to represent Argentina.
Younger players said playing with their childhood idol was a dream come true.
Rodrigo De Paul said Messi was an even greater person off the field than he was a player.
Lionel Messi has ended his Argentina national-team career four years after winning the World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina teammates described Messi as their captain, idol and an example both on and off the pitch.
Ángel Di María thanked Messi for remaining Argentine and helping raise the country to the top of world football.
Enzo Fernández recalled fulfilling his childhood dream of playing alongside Messi and becoming a world champion with him.
Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone and Valentín Barco also praised Messi’s character, leadership and influence on younger players.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates, including Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul.
- What
- Messi has walked away from Argentina’s national team, prompting emotional tributes from teammates.
- When
- Four years after Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, according to the article.
- Where
- Argentina’s national team; Messi is originally from Rosario, Santa Fe.
- Why
- His teammates honored his leadership, achievements, loyalty to Argentina and influence on them personally.
- Player
- Lionel Messi
- Team
- Argentina national team
- Major achievement
- World Cup victory in Qatar
- Tribute themes
- Leadership, perseverance, loyalty and personal kindness
- Messi’s role
- Captain and No. 10
- Teammates’ response
- Players described his departure as emotional and said they would miss him