**Former Indian Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi’s International Retirement**
*New Delhi, September 1, 2026* — Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan expressed admiration for Argentine football legend Lionel Messi after Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, at the age of 39.
In a post on the social‑media platform X, Dhawan wrote: “The Argentina shirt won’t feel quite the same without the No. 10. A career full of pressure, perseverance, heartbreak and ultimately glory. What a legacy, Messi.” The comment highlighted Messi’s impact on the Argentine national team and his status as one of the sport’s most celebrated players.
Messi’s retirement follows a distinguished international career in which he became Argentina’s most‑capped player and all‑time leading goal‑scorer, recording 203 appearances and 124 goals. He also holds the record for the most goals scored by a South American player in international competition.
Key milestones in Messi’s international career include:
– **Copa América 2021** – Played a pivotal role in ending Argentina’s 28‑year title drought by winning the tournament.
– **FIFA World Cup 2022** – Scored two goals in the final against France, securing Argentina’s first World Cup triumph in 36 years.
– **Copa América 2024** – Captained Argentina to a consecutive Copa América title following the 2022 World Cup victory.
– **FIFA World Cups (2006‑2026)** – Appeared in six tournaments, scoring 21 goals in 34 matches, making him the second‑highest scorer in World Cup history behind France’s Kylian Mbappé, who holds 22 goals.
During the 2022 World Cup, Messi recorded eight goals and four assists, including a hat‑trick against Algeria. His performances cemented his reputation as one of the tournament’s standout players.
Messi had previously announced a retirement from international football in 2016 after Argentina’s loss to Chile in the Copa América final, but he returned to lead the team to subsequent successes, including the 2022 World Cup victory.
Although retiring from international duty, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). As of early September 2026, Inter Miami sits fourth in the MLS standings with 12 wins, six draws, and four losses, accumulating 42 points, 10 points behind league leaders Nashville SC.
Former Indian all‑rounder Yuvraj Singh also posted a tribute to Messi on Instagram, describing him as a legend “while they are still writing history” and noting that the game will remember Messi “long after the final whistle.”
Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, with his contributions widely recognized across the global sporting community.
Article and image source: argentinastar.com
