Beckham and Mourinho pay tribute to Messi
· Sports · BBC Sport
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, concluding a career that included 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina. The 39-year-old forward led his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and secured two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Sir David Beckham, co-owner of Messi's club Inter Miami, praised the player's enduring legacy and his impact on millions of children globally. Former teammates including Angel di Maria, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez credited Messi for defining the golden era of the Argentine national team. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also acknowledged the forward's contribution to uniting fans across the globe.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, leaving a significant void in the national squad's leadership and global appeal for upcoming tournaments.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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