Sir David Beckham has paid tribute to Messi, saying his “legacy will live forever” in the wake of the Argentine’s retirement from international football.
Messi retires with a record of 207 caps and 125 goals for the national team, with which he won the 2022 World Cup. His final match was in this year’s World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain.
The 39-year-old is among the most popular and adored players of his generation, and Beckham, who used to play against Messi when he played for Barcelona as part of Real Madrid and currently owns his current club Inter Miami, saluted him.
Beckham Pays Tribute
“This is the moment we get to look back on and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Leo, you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country. 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.”
Jose Mourinho wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career. The next Copa America and the next World Cup won’t be the same.
Former Teammates Shower Encomiums on Messi
Enzo Fernandez reflected on their moments together, particularly the laurels won.
“I used to think about how many years you might have left, how many years separated me from reaching the first team, and I dreamed that we would wear the Argentina shirt together, even just once,” he wrote.
“Life ended up being far more beautiful than that boy was able to imagine.
“I didn’t just get to play with you, but we shared training camps, the dressing room, the conversations, the embraces, the difficult moments, the wonderful moments, and we ended up world champions together.”
Angel Di Maria, a member of the 2022 World Cup winning squad said: “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.
“Thank you so much for everything; you’re a legend and the greatest of all time.”
Former Tottenham defender Cristian Romero posted: “What a crazy day that has finally arrived, my dear Leo.
“As a kid, I dreamed of meeting you someday. But I never imagined that life would give me the gift of sharing this with you and living by your side through the golden age and greatest era of our national team.”
