Enzo Fernandez’s emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after international retirement | OneFootball

Enzo Fernandez has posted a heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain confirmed his international retirement at 39 following the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.

The Chelsea midfielder said in a post that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner profoundly shaped his life and career. Messi departs as Argentina’s record appearance maker and goalscorer, his decision ultimately cemented following the death of his father, Jorge, in early August.

In 2016 he feared he might never share a pitch with his idol, and as a youngster he would even calculate their age gap to see if their careers might overlap.

That dream was surpassed in Qatar, with shared camps, dressing rooms, conversations and tough and wonderful moments, capped by becoming world champions together.

Messi’s humility and leadership came to the fore, with Fernandez feeling part of the group from day one and finding calm in kind words and advice.

It will be difficult to picture the next Argentina camp without Messi wearing number 10 and leading the way. Fernandez closed with thanks for his captain’s guidance and for allowing him to share in his story, and a message that he will be greatly missed.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”