"He left a very great legacy in the world of sport" - Former Argentina star pays tribute to Lionel Messi after his NT retirement

Former Argentina star Martin Demichelis paid tribute to his ex-teammate, Lionel Messi, after the latter left the Albiceleste national team following his farewell game.

Lionel Messi officially called time on his international career after a friendly clash against Benin at Estadio Monumental on October 6. He won 2 Copa America trophies and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He ended his national team career having notched up 126 goals and 70 assists in 208 appearances.

Speaking to the media before RB Leipzig's UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid, the Bundesliga side's head coach Demichelis paid tribute to his former teammate and described his emotions when the veteran star decided to quit the national team. He said (via GOAL):

"When he announced his retirement and the day came, like every Argentine, I felt overcome by nostalgia. Well, I started watching videos, moments that were emerging on social media."

He added that he couldn't go to Lionel Messi's farewell due to his commitments with RB Leipzig and highlighted the importance of the veteran Argentine to the world of sports.

"I couldn't be there because of work. In part, I'm grateful for that, because it means I have a job at a great institution. But as an Argentine, as a former teammate, nostalgia overcame me. He will be missed. He left a very great legacy in the world of sport, in our football history as well. And well, I'm grateful to have been his contemporary."

Lionel Messi doesn't seem to be slowing down even after his Argentina retirement, as he has been in stunning form for his club side, Inter Miami, this season. In his 32 appearances so far, he scored 29 goals and provided 15 assists. He will be in action next when the Herons take on RBNY on October 24th (Saturday) in the MLS.

Martin Demichelis reveals message he sent to Lionel Messi after his 2026 FIFA World Cup S/F heroics

Speaking in the same presser, Martin Demichelis revealed what he told his ex-teammate after he carried Argentina into the WC final by providing 2 key assists in their win over England in the semi-final. He said:

"After the semi-final, I wrote to him because I felt a need to congratulate him after the match against England, where once again he showed, in a very special way, how to bring out that gut feeling as a team and as captain."