David Beckham wanted to dedicate some heartfelt words to Leo Messi, Inter Miami star and personal friend of the former English footballer, one of the owners of the Florida club, after the Argentine player publicly announced that he will never again wear the Argentina national team shirt in an official match.

Beckham wrote a heartfelt tribute to Messi on his Instagram account, where he has more than 88 million followers. “This is the moment to look back and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young boy with a dream… Leo, you have been a source of pride for yourself, your family, your friends, and your country. You led by example and became an inspiration to millions of children, not only in Argentina but throughout the world. Leo, you gave your country the greatest gift, and for that your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on everything you achieved with Argentina.“

Leo Messi’s statement

This Monday, August 31, Messi made public his decision to retire from the Argentina national team and shared the words he wrote in his own hand two days after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. 

“After all this time since the final and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell you all that I am retiring from the national team. It was a decision that hurt me and still hurts me deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear that I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but also before. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football,” Messi said.

“No much time remains and different stages are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me tremendously. I love, loved, and will always love having been part of the national team. I gave everything and I have nothing left to give. Also, there are great young players coming up who deserve to be here. Thanks to my family for always being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go Argentina! I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am even more convinced of this decision,” he said.