Lionel Messi has expressed deep admiration for his former Barcelona teammate, Andres Iniesta, following Iniesta's announcement of his retirement from professional football. The two legends shared unforgettable moments during Barcelona's golden era, winning multiple Champions League and La Liga titles together.
Messi took to Instagram to honor Iniesta, saying, “One of the teammates with the most magic and one of the ones I enjoyed playing with the most. Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you and so will we! I wish you the best, always. You are a phenomenon."
Iniesta, who famously scored the World Cup-winning goal for Spain in 2010, decided to retire on October 8, a number closely associated with him, as he wore the number 8 jersey throughout his career. Messi emphasized their remarkable chemistry on the field, highlighting how Iniesta often provided him with perfect passes.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta made 674 appearances for the club, cementing his legacy in football history. Despite rumors of a possible reunion with Messi at Inter Miami, it did not materialize.
Meanwhile, Messi continues to prepare for his debut in the MLS Cup playoffs with Inter Miami, following a successful stint that included winning the League Cup title and the Supporters' Shield, marking his 46th career trophy.
As the football world celebrates Iniesta's illustrious career, Messi's tribute serves as a reminder of the unforgettable bond they shared on and off the pitch.