Argentina's President Javier Milei thanked Lionel Messi after the news of his departure from the national team, calling the footballer an unreal person. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The head of state's reaction came immediately after the 39-year-old captain officially announced the end of his international career on August 31, 2026.
"Huge thanks, UNREAL PERSON...!!!" the head of state wrote on his Instagram account.
The forward admitted that he gave his all to the national team. The recent defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain (0:1) and the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August 2026, helped him finally strengthen his decision to make way for the younger generation.
Representatives of the national team also expressed eternal gratitude to the forward, noting that his legacy surpasses any trophies, and he himself has become part of the national identity.
Over 21 years in the national team, Lionel Messi played 207 matches, scored 125 goals, and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup gold, two Copa Americas, and the 2026 World Cup final.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that Lionel Messi announced the end of his career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old footballer announced the decision on Instagram a month and a half after the defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.