Former England captain Sir David Beckham says Lionel Messi has inspired “millions of children around the world” and his “legacy will live on forever” following the Argentine’s retirement from international football. Beckham, co-owner of Messi’s club Inter Miami, paid tribute to the 39-year-old’s international career in which he scored 125 goals in 207 games. Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, and saw them reach the final again in 2026 and win two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. “This is the moment we can look back and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a boy with a dream,” Beckham said on Instagram. “Leo, you gave the greatest gift to your country and, for that reason, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations for everything you achieved for Argentina.” Real Madrid coach José Mourinho commented on Messi’s retirement post on Instagram, saying “the next Copa América.” “And the next World Cup will not be the same”, without Messi involved. Mourinho frequently faced Messi in his first stage at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period in which the former Barcelona player won the Ballon d’Or in three consecutive years (2010-2012).
