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Argentina striker, Lautaro Martínez has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the captain’s retirement from international football.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Instagram on Monday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ended his international career which began in 2005 after scoring 125 goals in 207 appearances for the Albiceleste.
He also helped win three major titles, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
Taking to Instagram, Martínez said Messi left “much more than memories” with the team.
He said, “From the first hug, to the last.
“Leo, I don’t know if there are enough words to thank you for everything you did for us. Beyond everything you achieved on the pitch, I keep everything you taught us off it, to never give up, to keep trying after every setback, to work in silence and above all, to always believe in ourselves.”
The Inter Milan captain said Messi’s impact went beyond statistics.
“Your leadership wasn’t just in the goals, the assists or the titles, but in the example you gave us all these years representing our national team.
“To me and to all our teammates, you left much more than memories. You left lessons we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives,” Martínez stated.
He thanked Messi “for every piece of advice, every conversation, every training session, every hug and every moment shared,” adding: “Thank you for making history with us and for allowing us to be part of your story.”
“We’re going to miss you so much, captain,” he further stated. “we’re going to be eternally grateful to have been able to share this journey with you.”
