The great Lionel Messi of Argentina wrote a moving letter to Andres Iniesta, his former Barcelona colleague, announcing his retirement from professional football. Messi and Iniesta were a part of Barcelona’s heyday, when the team ruled European football and shared all club championships. On the pitch, the two had a perfect synergy. Frequently, Iniesta would run through the middle and find Messi in the goal area with the perfect ball.
On October 8, Iniesta, who won the 2010 World Cup for Spain, made the decision to hang up his boots.
Eight times Winner of the Ballon d’Or Messi honored Iniesta, with whom he had many special moments on the field, including hoisting several La Liga and Champions League championships.
“One of my favorite teammates to play with, and the one with the most magic.” We, along with the ball, will miss you, Andres Iniesta! I’ll always wish you the best. On his Instagram story, Messi remarked, “You are a phenomenon.”
After graduating from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Iniesta made 674 appearances for the team until leaving in 2018. Barcelona senior team, Messi and Iniesta played together at La Masia and went on to dominate European football.
After Inter Miami recruited Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez—three of the Argentine’s former Barcelona teammates—there were rumors that Iniesta and Messi may play together again, but that didn’t work out.
Inter Miami will play their first postseason game on October 25 at home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami won their first Supporters’ Shield on Wednesday, 3-2 over the Columbus Crew.
In July 2023, Messi, 37, departed PSG and joined Major League Baseball. Despite missing making it to the MLS Cup playoffs, Inter Miami went on to win the League Cup. This is Messi’s 46th career trophy—the Supporters’ Shield.
Read More: Andres Iniesta, Spain and Barcelona great, announces retirement after incredible 22-year career
