Who Said What: Tributes pour in as Lionel Messi bids farewell to international football

Lionel Messi has bid farewell to international football, and the tributes have started pouring in. The Argentine superstar played his final match against Benin, scoring once and assisting twice in the second half.

Ronaldinho was among the first to post a heartwarming message for the 39-year-old. The Barcelona legend, who assisted Messi's first-ever goal in club football, took to Instagram and said: "What a pleasure and what joy to have been part of your story from the very first day, brother!

You made us smile and enjoy football so much!!! Your name is in the history of your country, of the whole world.

Only we know the joy we felt when we fulfilled our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and being world champions!!!! You gave everything for your team and for your country.

I understand you perfectly and I know that everything related to family makes us rethink things. I wish you the best, today and always.

Arturo Vidal sends message as Messi plays final game: Expand Tweet PSG with a short message for Messi: Expand Tweet Paulo Dybala pays tribute: Expand Tweet Boca Juniors thanked Messi for his career: Expand Tweet San Lorenzo's message for the 39-year-old: Expand Tweet Javier Zanetti hailed Messi on social media: Expand Tweet FIFA World Cup had a sweet message for the Argentine: Expand Tweet La Liga also posted a tribute, showcasing how he grew up in the league: Expand Tweet Julian Alvarez on Instagram: What a privilege it was to share the pitch and so many moments with you. First, I admired you as a kid, like millions of Argentines who grew up dreaming of becoming footballers because of you.

Then I was lucky enough to meet you, become your teammate, and experience things I will never forget. Thank you for everything you gave us, for representing our country the way you did, and for leaving us a legacy that goes far beyond football.

We're going to miss you so much in the sky blue and white. For me, you will always be the greatest.

🤍 Giuliano Simeoneon X: We will never be able to thank you enough for what you did for our country. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again, CAPTAIN!"