New Delhi, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
ICC chairman Jay Shah has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine football icon’s decision to retire from international football, thanking him for the memories and wishing him well for the next phase of his life.
Shah recalled meeting Messi during the Argentine legend’s visit to India last year, when he travelled with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Sharing a photograph from the meeting, in which Shah presented Messi with an Indian cricket jersey, he highlighted the footballer’s humility alongside his achievements on the pitch.
“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,” Shah wrote on X.
“Personally presenting you with our national colours remains a proud cross-sport moment. Thank you for the memories, Leo Messi. Wishing you the absolute best in your next chapter!” he added.
Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, bringing the curtain down on a 21-year career with Argentina. In his farewell message, the 2022 World Cup-winning captain acknowledged that the decision was painful but said he believed the time had come to step aside.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,” Messi wrote.
He said he had given everything he could to the national side and pointed to the emergence of younger players who deserved an opportunity.
“I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance,” he added.
Messi said he had written the retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Argentine great ended his long wait for a World Cup title in 2022, when he led Argentina to the championship in Qatar.
In his farewell message, Messi also thanked supporters for their backing throughout his international career and said he would miss hearing them from the pitch.
“Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years,” he wrote, adding that he would now support the national team from the sidelines with the same pride and affection.
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