France, Sept. 1 -- "Thank you for bringing so much joy to millions of football fans," said Infantino, who handed Messi a runners-up medal following his side's 1-0 defeat to Spain on 19 July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

"You are retiring from international football as one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. I wish you all the best."

Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentina Football Association, offered lavish praise for the 39-year-old, who skippered the side on 133 of his 207 appearances.

"The captain of our dreams," said Tapia. "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.

"You made us be...