Messi retires from international football, leaving fans mixed about his legacy
On 31 Aug, legendary footballer Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football.
The announcement comes just a few weeks after his father passed away.
The Argentine will still play with Miami Football Club in the United States, where his contract runs until 2028.
Source: Leo Messi on Facebook
Messi is widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, often compared with titans from other generations such as Pelé and Diego Maradona.
Despite his great stature, his retirement has drawn some mixed reactions from fans.
While many appreciate the years of greatness he displayed, some others are glad he will no longer be around.
Remembered for both his highlights…
It would be an understatement to say that Messi was pivotal to the Argentinian national team’s success in the last two decades.
He leaves as both the team’s all-time leading goal scorer and as its most capped player — meaning that he has made the most appearances in international games out of anyone.
At the World Cup, Messi has recorded 21 goals, making him the second-highest scorer ever behind France’s Kylian Mbappé. He also has 12 assists, the most on record.
Messi was a massive part in ending Argentina’s nearly three decades without an international title.
In 2021, he and the team won the Copa América. Most memorably, he led the team to a win at the 2022 World Cup where he hoisted the country’s first win at the tournament in 36 years.
Source: Leo Messi on Facebook
He also led the team to three finals, in 2014, 2022, and 2026.
Although this is not the first time he has announced his retirement from international football, having done so once before in 2016, it is highly unlikely for him to reverse his decision again at 39 years old.
…and his lowlights
That said, many fans will also remember him for being part of the 2026 Argentina team which faced a mixed response internationally, to say the least.
Throughout the tournament, many took issue with the way the team conducted themselves on the pitch, the alleged racism, and even how FIFA allegedly coddled them.
Although most of the vitriol was directed at the team, some acknowledged that Messi was part of that team too.
One football fan on the HardwareZone Forums lamented that his team decided to be “disgraceful” in Messi’s last match on the world stage.
Another reminded them that he was a part of it.
Source: HardwareZone Forums
One even linked a specific incident where Messi attempted to get the referee during the World Cup final to review a decision to send off his teammate after a hard foul by pointing at another teammate who appeared to be in pain on the ground.
A replay showed that the latter had spontaneously fallen down to the ground without contact from any opposing player.
Source: Reddit
Now that Messi is out of the picture, some netizens on Reddit expressed that they were happy that they could finally “hatewatch” Argentina without feeling conflicted.
Source: Reddit
Despite the controversy, Messi is still one of the most beloved players ever. Most of the comments he is receiving online is of support.
Many fans remember him for his illustrious career where he won all there was to win.
Also read: Petition to remove Argentina from World Cup draws over 9 million signatures
Petition to remove Argentina from World Cup draws over 9 million signatures
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Featured image adapted from Leo Messi on Facebook and Facebook.
