Brazil football icon Neymar has poured encomiums on Lionel Messi as the Argentine said goodbye to international football.
Messi’s glorious career in the national shirt ended with a farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi marked his 208th and final game for Argentina with his 126th goal as his country bid an emotional farewell to the global icon.
Tuesday’s friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires had been dubbed “the last tango” as Messi played his last game in international soccer after 21 years, two Copa America titles and a World Cup.
Neymar, who he played alongside at Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and at Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023, paid his tribute on Instagram about his former team-mate.
“Those who love football have enjoyed you throughout these years,”
“Today is your last game wearing the shirt of your national team, of your country, and I hope you enjoy every second, that all the tributes today make you happy.
“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you’ve done for football.
“Thank you for making me love football even more, it was an honour to have played against you and even more so to make history alongside you.”
Ronaldinho Salutes Messi
Ronaldinho also lent his voice on X, reflecting on their playing days at Barcelona.
”A pleasure and what joy to have been part of your story from the very first day, brother! You made us smile and enjoy football so much!!!
”Your name is etched in the history of your country, of the whole world. Only we know the joy we felt when we fulfilled our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and becoming world champions!
”You gave everything for your national team and for your country. I understand you perfectly, and I know that everything related to family makes us rethink things.
“Enjoy life, brother. I wish you the very best, today and always.”
