Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says he’s sad to hear that Lionel Messi is retiring from international football after the GOAT announced on Monday that he’s hanging up his Argentina boots.
Messi has called it a day after making 207 appearances for Argentina and scoring 125 goals. During that time he’s won the World Cup and two Copa America titles.
Flick was asked about the news ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano and can’t believe it’s already time for Messi to wave goodbye to international
football.
“Time flies. That’s how it is, and of course, he’s the best player in the world, so it’s unbelievable,” he told DAZN.
“I also greatly enjoyed his performance in the World Cup. He was fantastic. On one hand, I’m truly sad, but in the end, that’s life and he’s had a fantastic career.
“He is the best player in the world and he proved it during the World Cup.”
Messi announced his decision on a post on Instagram which saw Barcelona respond with the following message: “You gave it all until your last breath. Your country and all of Barcelona are proud of the legacy you leave.”
Barcelona legend Xavi also had some words for his former team-mate, replying: “Congratulations Leo! You have achieved everything you set out to do with Argentina!! Simply, the best! Huge hug.”
Messi retires as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and their most-capped player. The GOAT admits that it’s a decision that hurts but added he has “nothing left to give.”
