Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentina captain’s decision to retire from international football.
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, August 31, 2026, bringing his international career to an end after more than two decades of representing the South American nation.
The 39-year-old forward confirmed the decision in an emotional statement posted on his Instagram account.
“After all this time since the final match, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing with the national team,” Messi wrote.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time.”
The Argentina captain also reflected on his commitment to the national team, insisting that he had always given his best while wearing the country’s shirt.
“I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” he added.
Following the announcement, Mourinho responded in the comments section of Messi’s post, congratulating the football icon on his remarkable international career.
“Congratulations on a wonderful and unforgettable international career,” Mourinho wrote.
“The next Copa America and the next World Cup will not be the same in your absence as they were before.”
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team.
His 21-year international career was highlighted by a remarkable run of major trophies.
After several years of disappointment with Argentina, Messi finally ended the country’s long wait for a major senior international title by leading the team to victory at the 2021 Copa América.
He followed that success with another Copa América triumph in 2024 before reaching the pinnacle of international football by captaining Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.
Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final, giving Messi another opportunity to add to his international legacy.
His decision to retire marks the end of an era for Argentina, with the veteran forward having become one of the most influential players in the history of the national team.
Mourinho’s tribute reflects the widespread recognition of Messi’s impact on international football. The former Real Madrid boss was among the many football personalities to acknowledge the legacy left behind by the Argentine superstar.
Although Messi has stepped away from international football, his club career continues, meaning fans will still have the opportunity to watch one of the greatest players in football history compete at club level.
For Argentina, however, the challenge now is to move forward without the player who has been at the heart of its national team for more than 20 years.
