Argentina’s national-team players shared emotional farewell messages on social media after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football. The tributes came from members of the Albiceleste squad, who described the World Cup-winning captain as an enduring source of inspiration, leadership and support for the team.

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul thanked Messi for his unconditional love for Argentina, resilience, strength in confronting injustice, and humanity toward players joining the camp. Leandro Paredes said he felt fortunate to have shared the national-team journey with Messi, while Emiliano Martinez thanked him for making him a world champion and helping him reach an unimaginable level.

Defender Cristian Romero expressed love, deep respect and lasting gratitude toward Messi, calling him captain. Nicolas Tagliafico thanked him for memories that would last a lifetime. The players’ messages portrayed Messi as more than a teammate or captain, describing him as an inspiration and guardian figure within Argentina’s squad. The source says his retirement leaves an irreplaceable void in Argentine football.