Shikhar Dhawan Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi After His Retirement From International Football
Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan leads tributes as Lionel Messi announces his international retirement from Argentina's national team on August 31, 2026, at age 39. This decision follows Argentina's loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.
Global football was gripped yesterday as Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, officially announced his retirement from the Argentina national team at the age of 39. The decision, made public on Monday, August 31, 2026, via his social media channels, brings an end to a storied international career spanning two decades, culminating shortly after Argentina's narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026. Lionel Messi Retires From International Football.
Shikhar Dhawan Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi on His International Retirement
The Argentina shirt won’t feel quite the same without the No. 10. 🇦🇷 A career full of pressure, perseverance, heartbreak and ultimately glory. What a legacy, Messi. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8D2P2AxYlm
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) September 1, 2026
Among the many pouring in tributes from around the world, Indian cricketing stalwart Shikhar Dhawan paid an emotional homage to the football maestro. Dhawan, known for his dynamic batting, reflected the sentiments of millions of fans, stating that the Argentina national team's famed No. 10 shirt "won't feel quite the same" without Messi gracing the pitch.
A Legacy of Unparalleled Achievement
Messi's decision to step away from international duty was profoundly influenced by Argentina's recent World Cup final loss and the personal tragedy of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8, 2026. He originally penned his retirement letter on July 21, just two days after the final, a decision solidified by his father's passing.
The Rosario-born legend, who made his debut for the Albiceleste in August 2005, leaves an indelible mark on international football. He bows out as Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer with an astounding 125 goals and their most-capped player with 207 appearances. His illustrious international trophy cabinet includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima.
Messi's journey with the national team was a testament to perseverance, overcoming several heartbreaks, including the 2014 World Cup final and multiple Copa América finals, before finally securing major silverware. Lionel Messi Receives Emotional Note From Wife Antonela Roccuzzo After International Retirement.
Cricketing World Reacts
Dhawan is not the only Indian cricketing personality to express admiration for Messi. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also lauded the Argentine captain following his international retirement. Yuvraj took to Instagram to share his tribute, remarking that the game would remember Messi "long after the final whistle". He posted, "There are very few who become legends while they are still writing history. You are one of them, Leo. What a phenomenal career! The game will remember you long after the final whistle."
Messi's departure from international football marks the end of an era for Argentina and the sport as a whole. While he will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, his absence from the international stage will undoubtedly be felt by fans and players worldwide, forever changing the landscape of Argentinian football.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2026 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
