Andres Iniesta Retires: Lionel Messi Pens Special Note For Former Barcelona Teammate

Andres Iniesta Retires: Messi and Iniesta formed a formidable duo for FC Barcelona.

Andres Iniesta Retires: Lionel Messi shared a heartfelt message for his ex-Barclona teammate.

Source : X/@RoyNemer

Lionel Messi shared a message for his ex-FC Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta who announced his retirement from professional football. The two of them formed a formidable duo for the Spanish giants and continue to remain good friends off the pitch. Messi's tribue for the 40-year-old is further testimony to the respect and admiration that Messi and Iniesta share.

Notably, Iniesta disclosed that he will be retiring at the end of the season with his UAE club Emirates. Soon after, Messi took to Instagram story to share a picture of them together in Barcelona colours and shared words of praise on Iniesta’s career.

READ HERE | Barcelona Honour Andres Iniesta

"One of the teammates with the most magic and one of those I enjoyed playing with the most. The ball is going to miss you, and so will all of us...I wish you the best always. You’re a phenomenon," Messi's story read.

Notably, before joining Emirates, Iniesta was even linked with a move to Messi's current club Inter Miami. Messi has already been reunited with several of his former teammates like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets but the reunion with Iniesta wasn't to be as he chose to go to the Middle East.

Iniesta's Glorious Career With FC Barcelona

Iniesta spent over a decade and a half at FC Barcelona and donned the FC Barcelona colours for nearly 700 times. He was part of the La Liga-winning side for nine times. In addition, he had four UEFA Champions League trophies and bagged 32 major honours with the club.

Iniesta was also a national hero for Spain. He scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cip final against the Netherlands. His shot helped them secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup win.