The Former England captain David Beckham has hailed Lionel Messi following the Argentine forward’s decision to retire from international football, saying his legacy will live forever.
Messi announced on Monday that he was ending his remarkable Argentina career after making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals for his country.
The 39-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful international career, culminating in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His final appearance for the national team came in July, when Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi produced numerous memorable performances for both Argentina and Barcelona throughout his career.
Beckham, who faced Messi during his playing days and is now a co-owner of Inter Miami, where the Argentine currently plays, reflected on the impact of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“This is the moment we get to look back on and realise how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream,” Beckham wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.
He added: “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.”
AFP
