By Dorcas Francis Koji
Former England captain David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s decision to retire from international football, declaring that his legacy with the national team “will live forever.”
Messi announced on Monday that he had brought an end to his illustrious Argentina career after making 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals for La Albiceleste.
The 39-year-old’s international journey reached its greatest height in 2022 when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, adding the trophy to his 2021 Copa América and 2024 Copa América triumphs.
Messi’s final appearance for Argentina came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain in July, bringing the curtain down on more than two decades of representing his country.
His extraordinary performances for both Argentina and Barcelona have cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Beckham, who has had a close view of Messi’s career both as an opponent and as co-owner of Inter Miami, where the forward currently plays, described the Argentine’s international career as an inspiration to millions.
Reacting to Messi’s retirement, Beckham took to Instagram on Tuesday to celebrate the impact the forward has had on football and his country.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star praised Messi for representing Argentina with distinction and inspiring a generation of young players.
“Leo, you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country,” Beckham said, while highlighting Messi’s leadership and influence beyond the football pitch.
He also praised the Argentine for giving his nation what he described as the greatest gift by delivering the World Cup title in Qatar.
Beckham added that Messi’s achievements had created a lasting legacy that would continue to inspire football fans and aspiring players around the world.
Messi’s international career was not without disappointment, particularly his early struggles to win a major trophy with Argentina. However, the World Cup triumph in Qatar ultimately completed his collection of major international honours.
With 125 goals, 207 appearances and multiple major trophies to his name, Messi leaves the Argentina national team as a record-breaking figure whose influence on the country’s football history is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.
His decision marks the end of an extraordinary era for La Albiceleste, with Beckham among a growing number of football figures paying tribute to the lasting impact of one of the sport’s most celebrated players.
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