Sourav Ganguly Reflects on Messi's Remarkable Legacy After Retirement
Ganguly's Tribute to Messi
In Kolkata, former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has lauded Lionel Messi's extraordinary international career following the football star's retirement announcement. Ganguly remarked that Messi has established a legacy that will be challenging to replicate.
He expressed optimism that nations renowned for their football prowess, such as Argentina, will continue to produce exceptional talent in the future.
Messi declared his retirement from international football on August 31, at the age of 39.
During a press interaction, Ganguly acknowledged that Messi's retirement is a natural progression in sports, commending his outstanding career and the legacy he leaves behind.
Ganguly stated, "This is the essence of sports. The greatest athletes must eventually retire. Messi has been phenomenal for an extended period. However, this is an unavoidable aspect of sports. The greatest must depart. He has created a legacy that will be incredibly difficult to equal. I have witnessed Maradona, another legendary left-footer from Argentina, and Messi as well. Such legacies are tough to uphold. Yet, these nations—Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Spain—are exceptional in sports and consistently produce world-class players. I hope another one emerges soon."
Messi holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, with 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, notably the 2014 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Germany, Messi finally achieved FIFA World Cup success, defeating France, led by Kylian Mbappe, in the final. This victory marked Argentina's first World Cup title in 36 years and their third overall, according to ESPN.
Prior to this, Messi played a pivotal role in ending Argentina's 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defending it in the 2024 edition following World Cup triumph.
Messi had initially announced his retirement from international play in 2016 after Argentina's loss to Chile in the Copa America final but later reversed his decision, leading his country to World Cup victory six years later in Qatar.
In the championship match, Messi scored two goals and converted a penalty, helping secure a 4-2 victory after a 3-3 draw in regulation time.
The iconic player 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.
During this year's World Cup, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists, establishing himself as one of the tournament's standout players. This included his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick against Algeria. He surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose's record for the most World Cup goals before Mbappe took the lead.
Despite his retirement from international football, Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).