José Mourinho salutes Messi after Argentina retirement

Lionel Messi’s decision to end his Argentina career means the national team will enter its next major tournaments without the player who defined its recent success. José Mourinho has joined the tributes, saying the next Copa América and World Cup will feel different in Messi’s absence.

Messi leaves international football at 39 after 207 appearances and 125 goals for the Albiceleste. His decision closes a major chapter for Argentina, following the Copa América triumph in 2021 and the World Cup victory in 2022.

Mourinho congratulated Messi on an exceptional international career in a message shared after the announcement. Their football history included the Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, but the Portuguese coach focused on Messi’s lasting contribution to international competition rather than their past confrontations.

The departure removes Argentina’s most influential figure from the next cycle of major tournaments. It also ends Messi’s direct involvement in the competitions where he secured the two biggest international titles of his career, leaving future editions without the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.