Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, ending an international career that included five World Cups and multiple Copa América titles. ^[1] Enzo Fernández, Argentina midfielder, wrote a long Instagram message recalling his childhood dream of playing with Messi, thanking him for his kindness and expressing that he will be missed. ^[2] Ángel Di María, former Argentina forward, posted on social media 'Eternal thanks, captain' and added a comment thanking Messi for choosing Argentina and calling him the best in history. ^[3] Lionel Messi played 207 A-matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists between 2005 and 2026. ^[4] Messi revealed that the loss of his father in early June 2026 gave him the final confidence to make the retirement decision. ^[5] Messi stated that he has poured all his energy into the team and felt it was time to stop. ^[6] During his more than twenty years with Argentina, Messi won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was a two-time Copa América champion between 2021 and 2024, won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and won the Finalissima. ^[7] Lisandro Martínez, who played with Messi in the 2022 and 2026 World Cups where Argentina finished as runner-up, stated that he knew the day would come but never wanted to accept it. ^[8] The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) posted a video tribute with the message 'A very great story!' and another post saying 'Eternal thanks, Leo!'. ^[9] Lisandro Martínez concluded that while Messi is leaving the national team, his legacy will be eternal. ^[10]