Beckham, co-owner of Messi's club Inter Miami, praised Messi's international career, which saw him score 125 goals in 207 games. Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and won two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. BBC Football reports that Beckham said on Instagram: "This is the moment we get to look back on and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream." He also added: "Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina."
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho commented on Messi's retirement post, saying "the next Copa America and the next World Cup won't be the same," without Messi involved. Fellow Argentina World Cup winning team-mate and ex-Spurs defender Cristian Romero posted: "As a kid, I dreamed of meeting you someday. But I never imagined that life would give me the gift of sharing this with you and living by your side through the golden age and greatest era of our national team."
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: "Congratulations on an extraordinary international career which has inspired millions and redefined the beautiful game."