Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina legend announced his retirement from international football, saying the national team’s shirt “won’t feel quite the same without the No. Dhawan took to X to reflect on Messi’s illustrious career, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that shaped the Argentine superstar’s journey. 10”. Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, at the age of 39.
Taking to his Instagram, Yuvraj posted a story, paying tribute to Messi on his international retirement. You are one of them, Leo. What a phenomenal career! The game will remember you long after the final whistle.
Messi scored two goals in the title clash and also converted a penalty, winning the match 4-2 for his side after the match ended in a 3-3 draw at regulation time.
He said in his caption, “There are very few who become legends while they are still writing history.
He is also the highest goal-scorer in South American football history. In this year’s World Cup, Messi had eight goals to his name and four assists, making him one of the standout performers in the tournament. This also included his maiden FIFA WC hat-trick against Algeria. He had overtaken Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s record of most FIFA World Cup goals before Mbappe snatched the top spot from him. Messi will, however, continue playing for his club, Inter Miami, in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The Argentine icon is his country’s most-capped player and highest goal scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals. The legendary footballer appeared in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, scoring 21 goals in 34 matches. He is the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament’s history, with France’s Mbappe holding the record with 22 goals. Inter Miami is currently placed fourth in the MLS with 12 wins, six draws and four losses, giving them 42 points, 10 points behind Nashville SC.
