‘No one else like him’: Argentinians rally for Lionel Messi

Published On 1 Sep 20261 Sep 2026.

What happened

Buenos Aires, Argentina – In the La Boca neighbourhood, home to the Boca Juniors stadium and a place which lives and breathes football, individuals are taking turns to be photographed in front of enormous murals depicting football legend Lionel Messi holding the 2022 World Cup.

Throughout the city, monuments have been illuminated in Argentina's blue and white in honour of the national hero. This person has confirmed his retirement from international football after two decades during which he was transformed from young prodigy to national icon.

The bottom line

In short, 'No one else like him': Argentinians rally for Lionel Messi is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.