Lisandro Martinez sends heartfelt message to Lionel Messi

Lisandro Martinez has sent an emotional message to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain announced his retirement from international football on Instagram.

There are few players in football history who can command the same level of admiration as Messi, and his decision to step away from Argentina has understandably prompted an emotional reaction from those fortunate enough to share the pitch with him.

Martinez is one of those players, having represented Argentina alongside Messi at two World Cups and experienced some of the most memorable moments in the country’s recent history.

Lisandro Martinez reacts to Messi’s international retirement

Lionel Messi announced his decision on Instagram, bringing an emotional chapter of his extraordinary international career towards its conclusion.

Martinez was quick to respond in the comments, describing Messi as an example to him and to everyone around him while praising both his achievements on the pitch and his character away from it.

The Manchester United defender wrote that he was deeply saddened by the decision but thanked Messi for everything, calling him a winner in football and in life.

Martinez’s relationship with Messi has been built through some remarkable experiences with the national team.

The pair were together during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, when Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for so long.

Four years later, they were reunited on the biggest stage again as Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final, only to fall short of retaining their crown.

Martinez also played a starring role alongside Messi during Argentina’s run in 2026.

Against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, the Manchester United defender produced one of his finest performances for his country.

He provided a perfectly weighted pass for Messi to open the scoring before later finding the net himself in extra time.

It was another example of the connection between two players who have shared some extraordinary moments in Argentina colours.

For Martinez, Messi is clearly much more than a legendary teammate.

His emotional tribute underlines the enormous influence the 39-year-old has had on those around him and the respect he has earned throughout his career.

With Messi now stepping away from international football, Martinez’s message offered a fitting tribute to arguably the greatest player of his generation.