Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh Honor Messi's Retirement from International Football

Former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh have paid heartfelt tributes to Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. Dhawan expressed that the national team's jersey won't feel the same without Messi's iconic No. 10, while Yuvraj praised Messi's legendary status. Messi, Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer, has had a storied career, culminating in World Cup glory in 2022. Despite his retirement from international play, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Read on to explore the highlights of Messi's illustrious journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 10:58 IST

Tributes from Indian Cricketers

Shikhar Dhawan, a former cricketer for India, expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi following the Argentine football star's announcement of his retirement from international play. Dhawan remarked that the national team's jersey 'won't feel the same' without Messi's iconic No. 10. Messi made this announcement on August 31, at the age of 39, prompting Dhawan to share his thoughts on X, reflecting on the highs and lows that defined Messi's remarkable career.

"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," Dhawan posted on X.

Yuvraj Singh's Praise

Yuvraj Singh, another former Indian all-rounder, also paid tribute to Messi after his retirement, stating that the football legend will be remembered 'long after the final whistle.' Yuvraj shared his sentiments on Instagram, highlighting Messi's legendary status while still actively contributing to the sport. 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."

Messi's Remarkable International Journey

Messi holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top goal scorer, with an impressive tally of 203 appearances and 124 goals. He is also recognized as the highest goal-scorer in the history of South American football. In 2022, after enduring several disappointments, including a loss to Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, Messi finally achieved World Cup glory by defeating France, led by Kylian Mbappe, in the final. This victory marked Argentina's first World Cup win in 36 years and their third overall, according to ESPN.

Prior to this, Messi played a pivotal role in breaking Argentina's 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defending the title in the 2024 edition following their World Cup triumph.

A Comeback and World Cup Legacy

Messi had initially announced his retirement from international football in 2016 after Argentina's defeat to Chile in the Copa America final. However, he reversed this decision and led his team to World Cup victory six years later in Qatar, scoring two goals and converting a penalty in the final match, which ended 4-2 after a 3-3 draw in regulation time.

Over the course of six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, Messi scored 21 goals in 34 matches, making him the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament's history, just behind France's Mbappe, who holds the record with 22 goals.

Continued Club Career

Despite his retirement from international football, Messi will continue to play for his club, Inter Miami, in Major League Soccer (MLS). Currently, Inter Miami is positioned fourth in the MLS standings, boasting 12 wins, six draws, and four losses, totaling 42 points, which places them 10 points behind Nashville SC.