Former England captain Sir David Beckham says Lionel Messi has inspired “millions of children worldwide” and his “legacy will live forever” following the Argentine’s retirement from international football.
Beckham, co-owner of Messi’s club Inter Miami, paid tribute to the 39-year-old’s international career in which he scored 125 goals in 207 games.
Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, saw them reach the final again in 2026 and won two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
“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,” Beckham said on Instagram.
“Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina.”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho commented on Messi’s retirement post on Instagram, saying “the next Copa America and the next World Cup won’t be the same,” without Messi involved.
Mourinho frequently managed against Messi in his first stint at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period in which the former Barcelona man won the Ballon d’Or in three consecutive years (2010-2012).
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