Tributes poured in from across the football world on Monday, after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, with team mates, rivals and administrators alike struggling to imagine the game without him.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia led the outpouring, calling Messi the captain of a generation's dreams.
"The captain of our dreams. That kid, La Pulga, that alien who made possible what so often seemed impossible. You are already a legend of this land, of our national team and of world football," he said.
Tapia added that Messi's influence had reshaped how an entire nation believed in the sport.
"You made us believe in magic. And perhaps that's why we find it hard to accept that time marches on for you too. The Argentina national team shirt is your flag. And our people's love for you will last forever," he said.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Messi's legacy on behalf of the sport's global governing body.
"Thank you for bringing so much joy to millions of football fans. You are retiring from international football as a FIFA World Cup champion and as one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. I wish you all the best."
Enzo Fernandez, a teammate in Argentina's midfield, admitted he could not picture training without Messi present.
"Today, I find it hard to imagine the next training camp without you. Stepping onto the pitch and not seeing you up front, wearing the number 10. I've spent so many years seeing you there that it seems impossible to imagine it any other way," he said.
Fernandez went on to reflect on what Messi had meant to him personally. "How lucky I was, Leo. Thank you for treating me the way you did, for everything you taught me and for letting me be part of your story. We're going to miss you so much, captain," he added.
Lautaro Martinez, Argentina's forward, focused on the lessons Messi passed on beyond the pitch.
"I don't know if there are enough words to thank you for everything you did for us. Beyond everything you achieved on the pitch, what stays with me is everything you taught us off it, never to give up, to keep trying after every setback, to work quietly and, above all, to always believe in ourselves."
Rodrigo De Paul, who also plays alongside Messi at club level with Inter Miami, spoke of the quieter moments that defined his captain's leadership.
"Your unconditional love for our country, your inner struggles to never give up, your strength in always enduring injustice, your leadership and kindness towards every player who stepped onto the training ground to make them feel at home," he said.
"I can only say thank you, you are the greatest of all time. Thank you for making us so, so happy, you have no idea how many smiles you brought to our faces. You are eternal," De Paul added.
Angel Di Maria, part of Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup squad, described the announcement as painful to read.
"It's so hard to read that you're retiring, we won't be seeing you wearing the sky blue and white colours anymore. All I know is that I was born in the right century to be able to witness you play, relish your performances and, on top of that, share all those years with you in the national team," he said.
Cristian Romero offered a simpler, more personal tribute to his captain.
"I love you, I admire you, and I will always be grateful for everything you gave for me and for our country. Eternal thanks, captain," he said, while the Argentine national team's own statement echoed that sentiment collectively.
"Eternal thanks, Leo. We will love you until the end of our days," the squad said.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, the Golden Glove winner during Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, credited Messi directly with shaping his own career achievements.
"Captain, words aren't enough to express everything you did for us and for the entire Argentine people. All I can do is thank you for making me a world champion and helping me reach heights I never imagined possible. My respect, always. Thank you," he wrote on Instagram.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister offered a shorter but equally warm message of his own. "Thank you for everything you gave us inside and outside the pitch," he said.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club Messi continues to play for, also paid tribute in a post on Instagram.
"This is the moment we get to look back on and realise how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream. Leo you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country," he wrote.
"Leading by example and creating inspiration for millions of children not just in Argentina but around the whole world. Leo you delivered the greatest gift to your country and for that your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina," Beckham added.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho left his own message directly beneath Messi's announcement in Instagram.
"Congratulations on a wonderful and unforgettable international career. The next Copa America and the next World Cup will not be the same in your absence as they were before," he wrote.
The reaction extended well beyond the dressing room. Argentine President Javier Milei offered a brief but heartfelt message of his own. "Thank you so much, incredible man," he said.
Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi's wife, reflected on watching his journey unfold from close range.
"What a privilege to have been by your side on this journey and to see you fulfil all your dreams. You deserved this story and so much more. We love you infinitely."