David Beckham said Lionel Messi’s “legacy will live forever” after the Argentina star announced his retirement from international soccer.
Messi announced Monday that he was ending his outstanding career with Argentina after making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals for the national team.
The 39-year-old helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His final match for the country was Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain in July.
Messi’s performances for Argentina and Barcelona established him as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
Former England captain Beckham has closely followed Messi’s career, first as an opponent and now as a co-owner of Inter Miami, where the forward currently plays.
“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 wrote on Instagram Tuesday.
“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.”
