Buenos Aires turned into a living mural of gratitude on Monday as neighborhoods, clubs and ordinary citizens gathered to salute Lionel Messi, the Argentine forward who confirmed his exit from the national side. In the iconic La Boca district, home to the Boca Juniors stadium, residents took turns posing before massive paintings that show Messi clutching the 2022 World Cup trophy. The city’s most recognizable landmarks were bathed in the nation’s blue and white palette, a visual homage to the player who has become a modern‑day symbol of Argentine pride.
Messi’s personal announcement
The retirement news arrived through a handwritten note posted on Instagram, a message the player said he drafted two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the recent World Cup final. In the caption, Messi explained that he felt he had “nothing else to give” and described the decision as painful, adding that he understood the moment had arrived. The 39‑year‑old, who recently mourned the loss of his father Jorge — a figure Messi credited with shaping his career — confirmed that his international chapter was closing.
While the timing did not shock observers, given his age and personal circumstances, the reaction among supporters was one of profound sadness. “We will keep loving Messi not only for his skill but for his humility and who he is,” said fan Sebastian Luna to Al Jazeera. “Football is over, but Messi will always stay in our hearts.”
Calls for lasting honors
In the wake of the announcement, some supporters urged the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to retire Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey. However, FIFA regulations prevent the permanent retirement of squad numbers, a rule the federation has already tested without success.
Messi’s career with La Albiceleste spanned six World Cup tournaments, a period marked early on by criticism for not delivering a global title. Comparisons with Diego Maradona, another Argentine legend who lifted the World Cup in 1986, were frequent and often unfavorable. The narrative shifted dramatically after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, where Messi’s performance helped secure the nation’s third World Cup and elevated him to a unifying figure across political and social lines.
“I have seen Maradona, I have seen many greats like Kempes, but Messi is exceptional,” said local fan Carlos Sciata. He described the retirement as “a bucket of cold water,” noting that the recent death of Messi’s father made the news less surprising, yet the loss would still be deeply felt.
Record‑breaking legacy
Messi’s statistics cement his status as Argentina’s most prolific player. With 125 goals in 207 appearances, he holds the national records for both caps and scoring. The eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner, who previously starred for Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain before joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, transformed a fraught relationship with the national team into a story of redemption and glory.
Teammates have voiced their admiration publicly. Angel Di Maria, who shared the 2022 World Cup victory, described it as “so hard” to imagine the team without Messi’s presence on the sky‑blue shirt. Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s fellow Inter Miami player and Argentine international, thanked him for his “unconditional love” for the country, calling him “eternal” and expressing gratitude for the joy he brought to fans.
Argentina’s recent 1‑0 loss to Spain in the final underscores the void Messi’s departure creates. Analysts and supporters alike are now speculating about the future direction of head coach Lionel Scaloni and the squad he assembled around the star forward. Off the pitch, the AFA is contending with investigations into alleged corruption and financial misconduct, adding another layer of uncertainty to the nation’s football landscape.
Despite these challenges, the prevailing sentiment across the country today is one of celebration and farewell. Streets echo with chants, banners display the image of Messi holding the coveted trophy, and the collective voice of a nation expresses gratitude. In his own words, the footballer concluded his message with a sense of peace: “I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you – alongside my teammates – moments we once only dreamed of.”
The outpouring of emotion reflects more than admiration for a player; it signals the end of an era that linked a nation’s hopes, hardships and triumphs to a single individual. As Argentina looks ahead, Messi’s legacy will remain a touchstone for future generations, a reminder of what a shared passion can achieve.
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