Social media is flooded with wishes for Lionel Messi. Photo: AP Lionel Messi has ended his 21-year-long international career and announced his retirement from Argentina. The football legend will now only play club football. Messi is presently signed to the Inter Miami Club in the Major League Soccer. The Argentine legend announced his retirement decision on Monday (August 31). "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team," he wrote on Instagram. "It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football," he added. Messi's name is among the top trends and social media is flooded with wishes for him. "I thought I was already prepared for this news, but it's clear that I wasn't. Thank you for everything you've done for me, as an Argentine, as a national team fan, as a teammate, and as a friend!" wrote Leandro Paredes. "Words fail when it comes to you, your legacy, and your greatness as a player, but above all as a human being. I'm fortunate to have played with you during this incredibly beautiful stage of our national team, your national team. I love you, shorty! I hope you're always happy! Our country will always be grateful to you for everything you've made us live and feel," he added. “Your unconditional love for our country, your inner battles to never give up, your strength to always endure injustice, your leadership and humanity with every player who stepped onto the training ground, making sure they felt comfortable, and the care you showed every member of staff in our national team. Just thank you. The greatest of all time. Thank you for making us so incredibly happy. You can’t imagine how many smiles you brought to our faces!! You are eternal," Rodrigo de Paul wrote. Rodrigo also shares the dressing room with Messi at the Inter Miami football club. Check out more reactions to Messi's retirement - Messi played six World Cups and smashed many records during his illustrious career. The former Argentina captain won 23 World Cup matches. Messi holds the record for the most goals for Argentina in the World Cups. He scored 19 goals. Messi is the only player to score a goal in the group stage, round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final of a World Cup. He also has the most goals in an edition of a WC for Argentina (8). Messi played his last game for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Rishav Narang is an experienced writer with nine years of experience in sports journalism. He extensively writes on cricket and covers live matches, b... View More