Lionel Messi has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former Barcelona teammate, Andrés Iniesta, as the legendary Spanish midfielder officially announces his retirement from football. Messi, who shared many victorious moments with Iniesta during their time together at Barcelona, praised him as “one of the teammates with the most magic,” and highlighted the deep connection they had on the field.
Messi continued by expressing how much he and the football world would miss Iniesta, saying, “The ball is going to miss you, and so will all of us.”
Iniesta, aged 40, shared an emotional farewell video on social media on Monday, where he reflected on his long and successful football career, confirming that he would be stepping away from the game for good. The video, titled “The Game Will Go On,” featured touching tributes from some of the most influential figures in Iniesta’s career, including former Barcelona managers Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, and Luis Enrique.
Iniesta is fondly remembered for his immense contributions to the sport, including his unforgettable goal in the 2010 World Cup final, which secured Spain's first-ever World Cup victory. His career is one filled with triumphs, not just for the national team but also for Barcelona, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s golden era.
After spending the last phase of his playing career at UAE’s Emirates Club, Iniesta has chosen not to extend his contract, which was initially set to run until 2025. Instead, he has decided to retire from professional football altogether.
Having joined Barcelona’s academy at just 12 years old, Iniesta progressed through the ranks, making his senior team debut in 2002. Throughout his time at Barça, Iniesta formed an iconic midfield trio with Xavi and Messi, dominating European football and leading the club to numerous La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
Iniesta’s career is marked by incredible achievements and an indelible legacy, leaving behind memories of his creativity, vision, and grace on the football field. He will always be regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport.