Argentine football legend Lionel Messi expressed his emotions in a touching message for his former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta, who recently announced his retirement from professional football. Messi and Iniesta played together during Barcelona’s golden era, where they collectively dominated European football and secured numerous trophies at the club level. Their on-field chemistry was exceptional, with Iniesta frequently providing perfect passes to Messi as he approached the goal.
Iniesta, who famously scored the World Cup-winning goal for Spain in 2010, chose to retire on October 8, a number significant to him as he wore the number 8 jersey throughout his club career.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, paid tribute to Iniesta, recalling their many shared moments, including lifting multiple La Liga and Champions League titles together. In his Instagram story, Messi wrote, “One of the team-mates with the most magic and of the ones I enjoyed playing together the most. Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you and so will we! I wish you the best, always. You are a phenomenon.”
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta made 674 appearances for the club following his time at La Masia academy. Both Messi and Iniesta started at La Masia and later dominated European football after advancing to Barcelona’s senior team.
Speculation had circulated about Iniesta possibly joining Messi at Inter Miami, particularly after the MLS club signed former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez; however, that reunion did not occur.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Messi’s MLS Cup playoff debut, although the opponent for Inter Miami CF has yet to be determined. Inter Miami secured their first Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 victory against the Columbus Crew, and their first postseason match is scheduled for October 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The complete MLS Cup playoff bracket will be revealed on October 19, coinciding with the last day of the regular season.
Following his tenure at PSG, Messi, now 37, joined MLS in July 2023. Inter Miami won the League Cup title but failed to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. The Supporters’ Shield marks Messi’s 46th career trophy.