'Thank you': Cricket fraternity react to Messi's retirement

Lionel Messi’s international retirement has sparked emotional reactions from the cricket fraternity. Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan paid tribute to the Argentina legend, saying the national team shirt “won’t feel quite the same without the No. 10.”

Other Indian cricket figures, including Kuldeep Yadav and Jay Shah, also reacted to Messi’s farewell. Their messages reflected the respect and admiration Messi has earned across different sports during his remarkable international career.

Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31 at the age of 39. After a 21-year career with Argentina, he leaves as the team’s all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker. In this article, we will look at how the cricket fraternity reacted to the legendary footballer’s international retirement.

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Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football at 39

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to his remarkable career with Argentina. His decision also led to emotional reactions from the cricket community, with several players paying tribute to the legendary footballer.

The Argentine superstar represented his team for more than two decades and became the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer. He made 203 appearances and scored 124 goals for his nation. His biggest achievement came in 2022 when he led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar, beating France in the final.

Messi had earlier announced his international retirement in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América final to Chile, but later returned to the national team. He went on to win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, along with the 2022 World Cup, completing one of the greatest international careers in football history.

"It hurts deep inside" — Messi's emotional statement after 21 years and 207 caps

Lionel Messi opened up about his decision to retire from international football, admitting that the decision still “hurts deep inside.” He said, “I understand that this is the right moment” and insisted that he always gave everything for the Argentina shirt.

Messi thanked the fans, saying, “I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team.” He also praised the young players coming through and said he would continue supporting Argentina from the outside. “Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside,” Messi said.

The Argentina legend also thanked his family, coaches, teammates and directors for being part of his journey. He ended his emotional message by saying, “I leave with peace and pride,” before adding, “Thank you, God for making me Argentine. ¡Vamos, Argentina!”

Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh & cricket fraternity pour in tributes for the GOAT

Shikhar Dhawan paid tribute to Lionel Messi after his international retirement, praising the Argentine’s journey and legacy. Dhawan wrote on X, “The Argentina shirt won’t feel quite the same without the No. 10. A career full of pressure, perseverance, heartbreak and ultimately glory. What a legacy, Messi.”

Yuvraj Singh also shared an emotional tribute to the Argentina legend. He wrote, “There are very few who become legends while they are still writing history. You are one of them, Leo. What a phenomenal career! The game will remember you long after the final whistle.”

Kuldeep Yadav also reacted by reposting a video from Messi’s account that showed his journey from Rosario to becoming a World Cup-winning captain.

Besides the cricketers, ICC chair Jay Shah also posted a congratulatory note for Messi:

The cricket fraternity and IPL franchises also shared heartfelt messages for Messi. The Argentine icon leaves international football as his country’s most-capped player and highest goalscorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals, completing one of the greatest careers in football history.