Football

Lionel Messi’s impending retirement from Argentina’s national team has the people talking.

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Masses of Argentine supporters spilled into the streets in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba and anywhere soccer is loved on Tuesday — the final fete of Messi’s glittering international career.

The 39-year-old was celebrated by many in his pomp. Nothing changed as he walked out onto the pitch for the final time with Argentina, taking on Benin in front of raucous Estadio Monumental crowd.

Here’s how various luminaries past and present paid tribute to Messi, the sport’s greatest artist, readying for the final test of his famed spell in blue and white.

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Reactions and tributes to Lionel Messi’s retirement

Stars across the worlds of sports, apparel and entertainment turned their attention to Argentina’s greatest-ever playmaker ahead of his final international fixture on Tuesday. Ronaldinho, who joined Messi in Barcelona at the beginning of his career, said the Argentine No. 10 «made us smile and enjoy football» in a post on Instagram.

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A post shared by Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (@ronaldinho)

Neymar put forth similar sentiments, thanking Messi on behalf of the soccer world. He also credited Messi with «making me love football even more.» 

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A post shared by Neymar Jr (@neymarjr)

Adidas celebrated Messi’s legacy and partnership with the brand by launching an advertisement celebrating his best moments in an Argentina kit.

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Leo: «thank you for loving me so much» us: 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 https://t.co/fx2Zffq1er

— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) October 6, 2026

The company also placed a 30-foot-long replica of the jersey Argentina will wear for Messi’s last game in Rosario, his hometown. 

🇦🇷👕 A giant shirt with ‘THANK YOU #10’ has been placed in Rosario, Argentina. And with the following message: ✍️ “Thank you, Captain. You gave us everything. You made us believe again, dream of the impossible and gave us unforgettable moments that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. “Nothing will ever be the same. We are NOT ready to let you go, but we will follow you wherever you go. 🩵

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) October 6, 2026

Tributes continued to pour in as Messi’s final match unfolded. Benin captain Sessi D’Almeida presented the retiring icon with a small statue and letter ahead before the match kicked off.

Lionel Messi received a small statue from Benin’s players ahead of his final Argentina match 🐐https://t.co/0LFSEQIFEs

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 6, 2026

Expect the tributes to continue to roll in as it begins to sink into the masses that Messi’s international career is ending.

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MORE MESSI COVERAGE:

• Where Lionel Messi stands in Argentina history for goals, appearances, and more
• Why this might not be Messi’s only retirement celebration this year
• Read more about what Lionel Messi’s true legacy means to the world
• The best Messi moments in his Argentina career
• Who will wear Argentina’s No.10 shirt after Lionel Messi retires?