The Argentine national team's official social media account posted a message expressing eternal gratitude and love to their former captain, Lionel Messi, who recently announced his retirement from international football.

The post read: "Eternal thanks, Leo. We will love you forever."

Official Statement from the Argentine Football Association

Today, the Argentine Football Association has only one thing to say: Thank you.

Because some stories transcend achievements, records, and championships; some stories ultimately become part of a nation's identity. The story of Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team is one of them.

For more than two decades, Messi consistently wore the blue and white jersey, leaving an indelible mark on Argentine football history through unwavering dedication and extraordinary accomplishments. From his international debut to achieving one dream after another, he experienced joy and hardship, unforgettable nights and immense pressure. Yet he always put on this jersey again and again; he was always there.

As a player, captain, and leader, Messi personally lived through one of the most glorious periods in Argentine national team history. He won the Copa América, the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, and the FIFA World Cup. But his legacy extends far beyond these titles: he left behind a philosophy of football, a way of representing the nation, and a unique emotional connection with millions of Argentinians.

Today, the Argentine Football Association has only one thing to say: Thank you.

Thank you for every goal, every assist, every dribble, every match; thank you for the embraces we shared celebrating every victory, and thank you for the tears after every defeat. Thank you for defending the Argentine jersey on every field, and thank you for bringing Argentina's name to the top of the world.

Thank you for being our captain.

The number 10 jersey will forever be associated with your name, but it also represents an era—an era that learned never to give up.

Because before glory comes, there are falls, doubts, lost finals, and difficult moments. And after every setback, you chose to stand up and start again.

This too is your legacy to us.

Lionel Messi leaves the Argentine national team as a world champion, a captain, and above all, a legend of our generation.

But more importantly, what he leaves behind is no longer merely the story of a footballer.

This is the story of all Argentinians.

Thank you for everything, Leo.

Thank you for representing Argentina.

Thank you for making us dream.

Thank you for making so many dreams come true.

The story continues.

And this legend will always be yours.

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