Argentine clubs honour Messi with tributes after Selección retirement
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, prompting an immediate outpouring of gratitude from clubs across the country. Within minutes, social media was flooded with messages, images and tributes celebrating the player who defined an era in the blue and white shirt.
Club tributes pour in
El River club from Núñez posted “GRACIAS, CAPITÁN” accompanied by the number 10 emoji, the Argentine flag and a goat symbol, referencing the GOAT status. The message was paired with a photo of a supporter in the Monumental stand raising a Messi‑signed Argentina shirt.
San Lorenzo chose a longer, emotive note: “El orgullo de que seas argentino es más grande que cualquier título. Gracias por tanto, Leo… Te amaremos eternamente.” The post featured the iconic Qatar 2022 image of Messi kissing the World Cup trophy while holding the best‑player award.
Gimnasia added its voice, writing “Tuvimos el privilegio de ver tu magia y llevar a la Argentina a lo más alto. Gracias por tanto, Leo” alongside two photos of the number 10 – one lifting the World Cup and another in the national jersey.
The official Argentina Selección account also posted a heartfelt farewell: “Gracias eternas, Leo. Te vamos a amar hasta el final de nuestros días.” The tweet displayed a plaque bearing the word “LEYENDA” and a second line reading “GRACIAS CAPITÁN” with the image of the number 10 raising the World Cup.
Messi's trophy‑laden era
Messi’s international résumé includes the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and a second Copa América triumph in 2024, underscoring a period of unprecedented success for the blue and white side.
After more than 21 years with the senior squad, the Argentine legend reflected that the decision “dolorosa” but necessary, noting a new generation is ready to step forward. Na, the flood of messages continued well into the evening, while La image of the plaque summed up his legacy in a single word.