Soccer world reacts to Lionel Messi retiring from Argentina

The day the soccer world knew was coming but still dreading has finally arrived: Lionel Messi's international career is over.

The Argentina legend announced his retirement from the international game on Monday, Aug. 31, ending an incredible run that lasted more than two decades.

Messi made the announcement just over a month after Argentina fell to Spain in the World Cup final. It was Messi's third World Cup final, with two (2014 and 2026) ending in defeat and one (2022) seeing him lift the trophy.

The 39-year-old has established himself as an all-time great through a career that has taken him from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and now to Inter Miami, where he will continue playing.

But Messi's priority and heart has always been with Argentina, the country he helped lead to two Copa América titles and its first World Cup since 1986.

The world of soccer was quick to react to Messi's bombshell announcement, with some of the game's most prominent figures paying tribute on social media.

Here are some of the reactions to Messi's international retirement, including many of his Argentina teammates.

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/