David Beckham pays tribute to Lionel Messi following his international retirement

David Beckham issued a formal tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina forward officially ended his two-decade international career. The former England international praised the legacy of the captain, highlighting his development from a young player into a global inspiration for children. Messi concluded his tenure with the national team following successful campaigns at the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America. In his own retirement statement, Messi acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while confirming he understood the necessity of closing the chapter. Beckham’s message, which was shared in both English and Spanish, emphasized the gratitude felt by those who witnessed the forward’s career. The announcement of Messi’s international retirement has prompted widespread public reflection on his influence across the sport.

• 11:08 PMYahoo Sports — ‘You have been a credit to yourself’ – Lionel Messi earns special praise from Real Madrid legend