Beckham to Messi: Your legacy will live forever

David Beckham has told Lionel Messi his "legacy will live forever" after the Argentine great's international retirement.

Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty on Monday, albeit he said he had made the decision in the wake of the World Cup final.

It means Messi's final match for his country came in that contest at New York New Jersey Stadium, as Argentina succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

Messi bows out as the World Cup's all-time leading appearance-maker, while he also has the most assists in the competition's history (12). The 39-year-old is also the record scorer in the Copa America.

And Beckham, who co-owns Inter Miami, where Messi has thrived since he joined in 2023, has paid tribute to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"This is the moment we get to look back on and realise how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream," he wrote on Instagram.

"Leo, you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country.

"Leading by example and creating inspiration for millions of children not just in Argentina but around the whole world.

"Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina."