Jay Shah Honors Lionel Messi's Remarkable Football Journey

Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman, recently paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the football legend announced his retirement from international play. Reflecting on their memorable meeting during Messi's visit to India, Shah praised the player's humility and achievements. Messi, who retired at 39, is Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer. He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and has had a remarkable career, including record-breaking performances in six World Cups. While he steps back from international football, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami in MLS.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 14:18 IST

Jay Shah's Tribute to a Legend

Jay Shah, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), recently honored Lionel Messi following the football star's retirement from international play. He reminisced about their encounter during Messi's memorable visit to India. On Instagram, Shah praised Messi's extraordinary career and highlighted his humility, stating, "An era-defining international journey comes to an end. Reflecting on our meeting during your historic visit to India, your profound humility stood out just as much as your unmatched genius on the pitch."

A Memorable Meeting

Shah fondly recalled the moment he presented Messi with an Indian cricket team jersey, describing it as a significant occasion that bridged two different sports. He expressed, "Personally presenting you with our national colors remains a proud cross-sport moment. Thank you for the memories, @leomessi. Wishing you the absolute best in your next chapter!"

An Era-Defining International Career

Messi announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 on August 31, concluding his long-standing relationship with the Argentine national team. He holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top goal scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals, making him the highest goal-scorer in South American football history.

In 2022, after enduring several disappointments, including a loss to Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, Messi finally achieved World Cup success 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. Prior to this, Messi played a crucial role in ending Argentina's 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defending the title in the 2024 edition.

Record-Breaking World Cup Performances

The iconic footballer participated in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, netting 21 goals in 34 matches. He ranks as the second-highest goal-scorer in World Cup history, with France's Mbappe currently holding the record at 22 goals. In the latest World Cup, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists, solidifying his status as one of the tournament's standout players. This included his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick against Algeria, and he surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose's record for the most World Cup goals before Mbappe took the lead.

Club Career Continues

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