Former England captain David Beckham has praised Lionel Messi following the Argentina legend’s decision to retire from international football, saying his legacy will live forever.
Messi announced on Monday that he had called time on his remarkable international career after making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina.
The 39-year-old won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while his final appearance for the national team came in Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in July.
Messi’s performances for both Argentina and Barcelona established him as one of the greatest footballers in history, with Beckham having witnessed his career both as an opponent and as co-owner of Inter Miami, Messi’s current club.
Beckham reflected on Messi’s career in an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying the world had been privileged to watch the player grow from a young footballer with a dream into a global icon.
“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 praised Messi for the way he represented himself, his family, friends and Argentina, while highlighting the inspiration he has provided to millions of young people around the world.
“Leo, you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country.”
The former England captain also credited Messi with delivering the ultimate prize to Argentina by leading the country to World Cup glory in Qatar.
“Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever.”
Beckham congratulated Messi on everything he achieved with Argentina and paid tribute to the extraordinary career that has made him one of football’s most celebrated figures.
Source: David Beckham’s Instagram statement.
