Infantino also shared a photo of himself with the former Barcelona forward holding the World Cup.
By Kehinde Okeowo
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has described Argentine star Lionel Messi as a “legend” in an emotional message sent to him after he retired from the Argentina national football team.
The world football governing body’s boss hailed the Inter Miami striker on Wednesday, October 7, in a post shared on his official Instagram handle.
Messi played his final international match for his country in a farewell appearance against Benin on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
During the encounter, the 39-year-old scored his 126th and final international goal from a penalty kick in the 71st minute.
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While eulogising Messi, Infantino wished him good luck in the rest of his endeavours and labelled him a living legend.
The Italian administrator went on to share a photo of himself with the former Barcelona forward holding the World Cup.
“Congratulations, Messi, thank you very much! Argentine fans and Messi loyalists worldwide were incredibly emotional seeing you perform that timeless magic in the national team jersey for the last time! Good luck, legend,” Infantino wrote.
Messi, who holds the record for the most appearances (208) for Argentina, is now expected to focus on club duties following his retirement from international football.
