Messi's GOATBye: Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul Lead Tributes To Argentine Legend's Retirement

Lionel Messi's decision to retire from international football has prompted an emotional response from across the sporting world, with former teammates, Argentina stars and admirers paying tribute to the legendary No. 10.

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 at the age of 39, bringing the curtain down on a 21-year Argentina career that witnessed some of football's highest highs and lowest lows.

The forward endured five major final defeats and briefly retired from international football in 2016 before returning to lead Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022 and the FIFA World Cup later that year.

Messi leaves the national team as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker, having finally achieved the World Cup dream that had defined much of his international journey.

As news of his retirement spread, tributes poured in on social media, with those who shared the dressing room with Messi reflecting on his influence while athletes from around the world celebrated his extraordinary legacy.

Shikhar Dhawan

Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan took to X to pay tribute to Messi, highlighting the pressure, heartbreak and perseverance that shaped the Argentine's career.

Angel Di Maria

Messi's long-time Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria shared an emotional message for the captain, reflecting on the journey they experienced together and Messi's ultimate achievement with the national team.

Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi's closest teammates during Argentina's recent golden era and often jokingly referred to as the captain's "bodyguard," also paid tribute to the 39-year-old on social media, highlighting his leadership, humanity and the impact he had on everyone around him.

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez looked back on his own journey with Messi, recalling how he once dreamed of playing alongside his idol before eventually becoming his teammate and a world champion with him.

Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes, another long-time Argentina teammate, also reacted to Messi's retirement on social media, admitting that while he had expected the moment, it was still difficult to see it arrive.

Messi’s retirement announcement also sent social media into a frenzy, with the Argentina star’s comment section quickly filling up with messages from fans, fellow athletes and football personalities.