Sir David Beckham pays tribute to Lionel Messi following retirement

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FT Desk

Sir David Beckham has led the tributes to Lionel Messi after the legendary Argentine announced his retirement from international football.

Messi announced his departure from the national team set-up in a statement this week, which said in part:

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.

"I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance."

Earlier in August, he suggested he could retire soon following the death of his father, Jorge.

Messi’s career with Argentina has been full of highs and lows. He made his debut for the national team in 2005 and quickly became one of their most important players. However, for many years, he faced disappointment after losing several major finals, including the 2014 World Cup final and the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016.

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

The dream of finally winning something with the national team came true when Argentina emerged victorious in the Copa America in 2021.

He then led his team to their biggest success by winning the 2022 World Cup. It was a special moment for him and for Argentina, as it completed his journey from a talented young player to a World Cup-winning captain. In the eyes of many, he became the undisputed greatest player of all time after winning the World Cup.

In 2026, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took Argentina to the final again, but the team suffered defeat against Spain.

Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, owned in part by Beckham.

"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," the Englishman 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."

More Messi tributes

Plenty more tributes were sent Messi's way, including from some unlikely sources.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho 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."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "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.

"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."

Enzo Fernandez, who completed a huge transfer to Man City from Chelsea on Transfer Deadline Day, wrote:

"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,.

"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."

Several other current and former team-mates, such as Cristian Romero and Angel Di Maria, also posted heartfelt tributes.