Milei hails the ‘impossible man’
Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football has triggered reactions far beyond the dressing room. Political leaders and senior football officials have paid tribute to a player whose influence became inseparable from Argentina’s modern identity.
According to Infobae’s report on the president’s response, Javier Milei wrote: “Thank you very much, IMPOSSIBLE MAN…!!!” He also reposted an older video in which he argued that no player in history had matched Messi’s achievements.
Milei was joined by several prominent figures from across Argentina’s political spectrum. In a collection of reactions described by Infobae, former president Mauricio Macri said it was difficult to express the country’s gratitude for everything Messi had represented.
Senator and former security minister Patricia Bullrich offered a shorter verdict: “The best in the world. The best in history.” Former defence minister Luis Petri said Messi had not merely won trophies, but restored an entire country’s desire to believe.
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Infantino remembers Messi’s humility
FIFA president Gianni Infantino focused on both the player and the person behind the extraordinary career. According to The Statesman’s account of Infantino’s tribute, he wrote: “Your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.”
Infantino also praised Messi for inspiring millions of supporters and changing the way football is played. The FIFA president noted that Messi leaves the international game as a World Cup winner and one of the sport’s defining figures.
That description reflects the scale of Messi’s transformation with Argentina. For years, his international career was framed by painful defeats and comparisons with Diego Maradona, but the final chapter brought the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and, most importantly, the 2022 World Cup.
South American football honours its greatest star
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez delivered one of the most personal messages. In comments quoted by El Tribuno, Domínguez told Messi: “Your legacy will be eternal.”
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The South American football chief said that legacy was not based solely on trophies. He also highlighted Messi’s humility, respect, commitment and affection for the sport, describing it as an honour to have witnessed the defining moments of his career.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia referred to Messi as “the captain of our dreams.” According to EFE’s report published by Infobae, Tapia added: “You are already a legend of this land, our national team and world football.”
Tapia’s message carried particular weight because he oversaw the period in which Argentina rebuilt around Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni. That partnership ended a 28-year wait for a major senior trophy and ultimately delivered the country’s third World Cup.
Argentina turns its gratitude into a national tribute
The response will not be limited to statements from politicians and executives. According to UOL’s report on the AFA’s tribute plans, matches across Argentine football will stop during the tenth minute for a minute of applause in Messi’s honour.
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The tribute is set to cover men’s and women’s football, futsal and beach soccer. Stadium screens will also show a commemorative video celebrating the former Argentina captain and the number 10 shirt he made his own.
Messi ends his senior international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, according to the AFA’s official review of his Argentina career. He represented his country at six World Cups and played a central role in the most successful period Argentina had enjoyed for generations.
His retirement applies only to international football, with Messi continuing his club career at Inter Miami. For Argentina, however, his departure marks the end of an era that reshaped the national team and gave political rivals, football authorities and millions of supporters something rare to agree on.
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