Sir David Beckham has told Lionel Messi his “legacy will live forever” as the Argentina great enters international retirement.
Messi leaves the stage with 207 caps and 125 goals for his country, with whom he won the 2022 World Cup. His final game was this summer’s World Cup final, where Argentina finished runners-up to Spain.
The 39-year-old goes down as one of the most celebrated and beloved players of his generation, and former England captain Beckham — an opponent for Real Madrid during Messi’s glittering stint with Barcelona and now co-owner of his current side Inter Miami — paid homage.
“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.”
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José Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid at the height of the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo years between 2010-2013 and recently returned to the Bernabeu, wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career. The next Copa América and the next World Cup won’t be the same.”
Tributes also flooded in from international teammates past and present.
Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernández shared his joy at having gone from starry-eyed fan to World Cup-winning teammate.
“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.
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“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.”
Ángel Di María, another member of that triumphant 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.”
Embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who handed Messi the World Cup trophy in Qatar, joined the chorus, posting: “Congratulations on an extraordinary international career which has inspired millions and redefined the beautiful game.
“A FIFA World Cup winner in 2022, Argentina’s all-time leader for appearances and goals as well as the record holder for the most FIFA World Cup appearances in history, your magical talent and humility will be remembered forever.
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“Thank you for every unforgettable memory while wearing the colors of [Argentina] and for uniting fans across every corner of the globe.”
Argentinian Formula 1 driver Franco Colapinto posted: “There are no words that will ever be enough to express our gratitude.
“Thank you for getting back up time and time again and giving everything to make an entire country happy. You are an example to all of us.”
