'All the joy he gave us': Argentines thank Messi as he announces international retirement

BUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 : Argentines saluted Lionel Messi on Monday after the soccer great confirmed the news many had long expected but still found painful: his retirement from the national team.“It’s going to be difficult but I’m super grateful for all the joy he gave us, as a country,” said Francisca Mieth, an 18-year-old university student, in Buenos Aires' leafy Belgrano neighborhood.Nearby, dog walker Jose Aramburu said Messi’s refusal to give up had left a lasting mark on Argentina.“The most important thing that Messi gave us was the fact that he insisted, persisted and pursued a dream, a goal, an objective, without caring about what other people said,” the 36-year-old said. Messi, 39, who ‌captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and another final in 2026, announced his internat