Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona in a farewell message to Argentina’s national team on Wednesday, a day after making his final appearance for his country.
Messi, 39, reflected on his international career in an Instagram post, paying tribute to his family and remembering Maradona, Argentina’s other great football icon, who died around six years ago.
“I don’t want to forget Diego, who took our country to where it belongs and who, as I always say, helped us every step of the way, both here with us and from heaven,” Messi wrote.
The two football legends worked together at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Maradona coached a young Messi.
Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Mexico in 1986, while Messi led his country to the title in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina missed out on another title in July, losing 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in the United States.
“Yesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white,” Messi wrote.
“I know I made the right decision. It was an incredible journey, full of joy but also some sad moments, but I am certain that every step was worth it.”
The post attracted millions of likes and comments, including a tribute from Messi’s long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, whose own international future with Portugal remains uncertain.
“Leo, you defended your country for so many years and wrote a story that will be remembered forever,” Ronaldo wrote.
“You have all my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. A hug.”
Messi made his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. He scored once and provided two assists in a 3-0 victory, bringing his 21-year international career to a close.
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