Beckham and Mourinho pay tribute to Messi

What the report says

Former England captain Sir David Beckham and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho were among the prominent football figures paying tribute after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, according to BBC Sport. Beckham, who co-owns Inter Miami, said the Argentina captain had inspired millions of children and that his legacy would endure. Mourinho, who often faced Messi during his time at Real Madrid, said future Copa America and World Cup tournaments would feel different without him.

BBC Sport reported that Messi ends his international career having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina. His achievements include leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, reaching another final in 2026, and winning Copa America in 2021 and 2024. The article noted that he is the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Several former teammates also posted tributes. Angel Di Maria called Messi the greatest of all time, while Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez said they had dreamed of playing alongside him and described the experience as a major privilege. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Messi’s career had inspired millions and helped redefine the game.

The reaction underlines Messi’s significance not only in Argentina, but across world football, as one of the sport’s most decorated and influential players. BBC Sport’s report was published shortly after Messi’s announcement and focused on the response from teammates, rivals and football officials.