Aug 31 – Argentina’s Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday.
“The captain of our dreams. That kid, ‘La Pulga’, that alien who made possible what so often seemed impossible… You are already a legend of this land, of our national team and of world football. “You made us believe in magic. And perhaps that’s why we find it hard to accept that time marches on for you too. The Argentina national team shirt is your flag. And our people’s love for you will last forever. “Thank you for bringing so much joy to millions of football fans. You are retiring from international football as a FIFA World Cup champion and as one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. I wish you all the best. ENZO FERNANDEZ, ARGENTINA MIDFIELDER “How lucky I was, Leo… thank you for treating me the way you did, for everything you taught me and for letting me be part of your story. We’re going to miss you so much, captain. LAUTARO MARTINEZ, ARGENTINA FORWARD “We’re going to miss you so much, captain. We’ll be eternally grateful to have been able to share this journey with you. Thank you for everything, captain! “Your unconditional love for our country, your inner struggles to never give up, your strength in always enduring injustice, your leadership and kindness towards every player who stepped onto the training ground to make them feel at home, the little gestures you showed to every member of our national team’s staff.
