Lionel Messi’s retirement sparks emotional reactions from fans and football stars
The legendary international footballer Lionel Messi has officially announced retirement from the national team, sparking emotional reactions from fans.
On Monday, August 31, the 39-year-old footballer took to Instagram, penning down an emotional retirement note to make an extremely shocking announcement.
Messi wrote, ”After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team…”
While describing the substantial amount of pain this decision requires, the legendary footballer stated, “It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come.”
He further expressed gratitude to everyone for showering immense love and support throughout his phenomenal career, “Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside.”
Fans react to Messi's retirement from football
Taking to several social media sites such as X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed their emotions on Messi's surprising retirement after a heartbreaking finale of FIFA World Cup 2026.
A fan wrote, "LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL. THE END OF FOOTBALL IS GETTING NEAR"
Another fan wrote, Messi just announced his retirement from international football, sobbing rn. Farewell Leo."
"Messi is retiring from international football man...It's over," a third fan emotionally stated.
Football stars react to Lionel Messi’s International retirement
Messi's retirement has not only affected his fans, but it has sparked reactions from the football players.
A famous football player Sergio Agüero reshared Messi's career video on his Instagram Story, paying tribute to his senior.
Ángel Di María bids farewell to Messi on his Instagram Story, writing, "Thank you, eternal captain."
Messi hinted towards retirement following his father's death?
In his retirement statement, Messi said, “I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
The announcement come a few days after his father Jorge Messi’s death, when he hinted towards his retirement plans in the emotional statement, admitting, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you; I don’t know how to go on, All I ever did was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer. You were by my side from the very beginning, and we were so close to the end.”
A glimpse into Lionel Messi’s phenomenal career
Lionel Messi made his professional debut in 2005 and went on to win eight Ballon d'Or awards. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.
Finishing his international journey with 207 caps, a World Cup trophy and two Copa America titles, Messi also thanked supporters worldwide.
