From Rosario to World Cup Glory: Messi Ends 21-Year Argentina Journey as Tributes Pour In

From a young boy playing football in Rosario, Argentina, to lifting the FIFA World Cup as his country's captain, Lionel Messi's extraordinary journey has come full circle.

The 39-year-old Argentina superstar announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, ending 21 years with the national team and prompting tributes from across the worlds of sport and entertainment.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply but I understand that the time has come,” Messi said in a heartfelt Instagram post. He revealed that he had written his retirement letter on July 21, two days after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, but delayed publishing it as his father, Jorge Messi, was battling health problems. Jorge Messi died in Rosario on August 8.

Messi's football journey began at local club Grandoli before he joined the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, Messi moved to Spain at 13 to join Barcelona's youth academy, a decision that paved the way for one of the greatest careers in football history.

His Argentina journey began with the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored both goals in the final and was named the tournament's best player. Two months later, Messi made his senior debut against Hungary at the age of 18, only to be sent off within minutes of coming on.

The years that followed brought repeated heartbreak. Argentina lost the 2014 FIFA World Cup final to Germany and suffered defeats in major finals, prompting Messi to briefly retire after losing the 2016 Copa América final to Chile.

But Messi returned and led Argentina through its greatest modern era, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and another Copa América in 2024. He also reached the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain in extra time.

Messi leaves as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances and all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 in World Cups. He played in a record-tying six World Cups and reached three finals.

Tributes poured in following his announcement. Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote that “the Argentina shirt won't feel quite the same without the No. 10,” praising Messi's journey of pressure, perseverance, heartbreak and glory.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said Messi was among the rare figures who became legends while still writing history, adding that football would remember him long after the final whistle.

Messi's Argentina teammates, football administrators and celebrities also joined the tributes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Argentine Football Association chief Claudio Tapia, and players including Ángel Di María, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez praised his greatness and influence. Entertainment personalities Kareena Kapoor Khan and Indrajith Sukumaran were also among those reacting to his farewell.

While his international career has ended, Messi will continue playing club football for Inter Miami. The eight-time world player of the year recently underlined his enduring quality with a four-goal performance in a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal.

From a boy with a dream in Rosario to Argentina's iconic No. 10, Messi leaves behind a legacy defined by records, resilience, redemption and World Cup glory.