Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid an emotional tribute to Argentine football legend Lionel Messi after the 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football, calling it the end of an extraordinary chapter in the forward’s Argentina career. Messi made the announcement on Instagram, saying the decision was painful but that he felt it was the right time to step aside and allow a younger generation to take over. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Reacting to Messi’s decision, Sarma wrote: “An era ends. Thank you, Leo, for every bit of magic.” The chief minister said it had been a privilege to watch the Argentine superstar and added he was “heartbroken like every fan today,” noting that his entire family would feel the loss. He also called Messi “GOAT for life,” underscoring the superstar’s place in football history.
In his Instagram message, Messi said he had always loved representing Argentina and had given everything to the national team. He thanked his family, coaches, teammates, officials and fans for their support throughout his international career, and framed his retirement as a step taken with affection for the game and respect for the team’s future.
Messi’s international career spanned more than two decades, a period that included both painful defeats and historic triumphs — most notably Argentina’s World Cup victory. That mix of heartbreak and glory helped define his legacy and deepen the global admiration that followed him to clubs and country alike.
Sarma’s public tribute mirrors the sentiment shared by millions of fans worldwide as one of the most celebrated international careers in football draws to a close, even as Messi prepares to write new chapters in club football with Inter Miami.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/an-era-ends-assam-cm-pays-emotional-tribute-to-lionel-messi-after-argentina-retirement-1445128-2026-08-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-08-31 22:36:00
