Infantino bids farewell to Messi from Argentina duty: “He redefined our beautiful sport”

Gianni Infantino has offered Lionel Messi a glowing farewell as the Argentina captain closes his historic period with the national team.

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an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our beautiful sport

In a message published through FIFA’s official channels, the organisation’s president praised Messi’s international career and its influence on football. Infantino said it had inspired millions and “redefined our beautiful sport.”

The tribute listed the milestones that placed Messi in Argentina’s record books. Infantino pointed to his 2022 FIFA World Cup title, his status as the national team’s all-time leading scorer and his record number of appearances for Argentina. He also noted that Messi holds the record for the most matches played in World Cup history.

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World Cup champion in 2022, all-time leading scorer and the player with the most appearances in Argentina’s shirt, as well as the record-holder for most matches played in World Cup history: your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever

Infantino paired those achievements with praise for Messi’s character, saying his “magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.” He also thanked the forward for the memories he created while wearing Argentina’s colours and for bringing supporters together around the world, before wishing him well in the next stage of his career.

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Thank you for every unforgettable memory while defending the national team’s colours and for bringing fans together from every corner of the world. I wish you all the best in your next stage