Retirement: ‘Thank you for your unconditional love’ – Rodrigo de Paul to Messi

Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, has paid an emotional tribute to the former Argentina captain following his decision to retire from international football.

De Paul, who has played alongside Messi for both club and country, thanked the football legend for his unconditional love and commitment to Argentina throughout his international career.

The Inter Miami midfielder praised Messi’s leadership, resilience and the way he treated every player and staff member within the Argentina national team. He also described Messi as a player who endured difficult moments but continued to fight for his country.

De Paul said, “Your unconditional love for our country, and your internal battles so that you never surrender, and your strength to always endure injustice, and your leadership and great humanity with every player who entered the national team headquarters to feel at ease, and your care and beautiful details with every member of our national team…

“I can only say thank you; you are the greatest in history. Thank you for bringing us immense joy; you cannot fathom the number of smiles you have created on our faces!! You are immortal forever.”

Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 at the age of 18. Since then, he has become one of the most decorated players in international football, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists in 207 appearances for the national team.

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During his international career, Messi helped Argentina win major trophies, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers in history.