'You Are Eternal': Rodrigo De Paul Pens Down Emotional Message For Lionel Messi As Twitter Erupts

New Delhi, Lionel Messi's 21-year journey with Argentina has come to an emotional end. The 39-year-old has announced his retirement from international football, closing a chapter that began in 2005 and ultimately saw him transform years of heartbreak into one of the greatest international careers in football history.

The decision came after Argentina's run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. Messi revealed that he had written his farewell message two days after the final, before ultimately making the announcement public on Monday.

From the little boy who left Rosario for Barcelona's La Masia to becoming Argentina's record appearance-maker and top scorer, Messi's international career was defined by resilience. He endured painful defeats before finally lifting the Copa América in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, the World Cup in Qatar later that year, and another Copa América in 2024.

Rodrigo de Paul & AFA President Pen Down Emotional Tribute For Leo

Among the emotional reactions was that of Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's long-time Argentina teammate and current Inter Miami colleague.

"Your unconditional love for our country, your battles to never give up, your strength in the face of injustice, your leadership and the way you treated every player and every member of staff to make them feel valued... Simply, thank you. The greatest of all time."
De Paul ended his tribute with three words that summed up the feeling surrounding Messi's farewell: "You are eternal."

Meanwhile, Argentina Football Association president Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia had previously insisted that Messi's international future would remain entirely his own decision.

"It's a decision that is purely and personally his. You have to let him relax," Tapia said, while praising Messi's 2026 World Cup campaign as one of, if not the, best versions of the Argentine star at a World Cup.

There was an outpouring of emotional messages for Lionel Messi over his retirement decision. Here is how netizens reacted

Netizens React To Messi's Retirement

A widely circulated video was shared across social media detailing his journey in La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy.

People from across the sports fraternity in India have poured in their tributes for Messi.

Teammate Enzo Fernandez also penned a very moving tribute for Leo Messi on his official Instagram account.