Cape Verde’s post reacting to Lionel Messi’s international retirement has gone viral, weeks after the 39-year-old helped knock the African country out of the 2026 World Cup.
Cape Verde, with a population of just over half-a-million people, won the hearts of football fans across the world after reaching the Round of 32.
They finished second place in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, setting up a clash against 2022 world champions Argentina.
The Round of 32 tie in Miami proved to be an unexpected classic and far closer than anyone had anticipated.
A 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges secured a hard-fought 3-2 win for Argentina, while Messi received the Man of the Match award.
Argentina increasingly became the tournament’s villains as the World Cup progressed, as unfounded conspiracy theories claiming FIFA were favouring the champions spiralled out of control.
The South Americans reached the final but were comprehensively outplayed by Spain in the final. Two days later, Messi made the decision to bring the curtain down on his illustrious Argentina career – making a public announcement earlier this week.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will honour Messi this weekend by pausing all domestic matches in the 10th minute for a minute of applause. Many of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s teammates have paid tribute to him, while Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho also left a special message.
Cape Verde’s Reaction to Messi’s Argentina Retirement
Although Messi helped to bring their World Cup journey to an end, Cape Verde have penned a heartfelt message to arguably the greatest footballer in history.
The message on Instagram reads: “GOODBYE TO A LEGEND!
“Two days ago, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team, ending one of the most remarkable stories in world football.
“Messi wasn’t just one of the best players in the history of this sport – he was an inspiration to an entire generation, to millions of children who grew up dreaming of playing football after watching him on the pitch.
“Champion, leader, genius and eternal idol. Thank you Messi for everything you have done to football.
“And for us, Cape Verdeans, there is also a special thank you for being part of one of the most historic games of our National Team, that unforgettable Argentina x Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup.
“A moment that will stay forever in the memory of the Cape Verdean people.
“Thanks for everything, Leo. A whole generation grew up with you. Football will never be the same.”
Messi played 207 times for Argentina after making his debut in 2005, scoring 125 goals.
He will continue playing for Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, where he is under contract until 2028.
