Lionel Messi has paid tribute to former Barça teammate Andrés Iniesta, who has confirmed his retirement from professional football.
Iniesta retires from the game aged 40 after spending five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe before playing one final season in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club.
The Spaniard scored the decisive goal to win his nation the 2010 World Cup and is synonymous with Barça, having played in 674 games for the Blaugrana before leaving in 2018.
He had many iconic teammates at Camp Nou, but probably none more messiah. The pair played together in 488 official games and won countless trophies in Catalonia, including four Champions Leagues and nine The League titles
Taking to social media, Messi praised the former midfielder and described him as one of his favorite players to share the pitch with.
He wrote: “One of the teammates with the most magic and the one I enjoy playing together the most. Andrés, the ball will miss you and so will we all. I wish you the best always, you are a phenomenon.”
While Barça unsurprisingly gushed about Iniesta after his retirement was announced, he was also praised by the Catalan giants’ classic rivals. Real Madridwho posted their own tribute to the two-time European Championship winner.
“Following Andrés Iniesta’s announcement that he is retiring from professional football, Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors want to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the great legends of Spanish and world football.
“Andres Iniesta has enriched the sport with his football and his values, in addition to the many trophies he has won throughout his career. His iconic goal in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will forever remain in the memory of all Spanish fans.
“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.”
