Messi’s Argentina exit prompts emotional tribute from Barcelona manager Flick

Hansi Flick says Lionel Messi will remain the best player in the world despite the Argentina forward’s decision to end his international career after almost two decades of remarkable achievement.

The Barcelona manager expressed his sadness at Messi’s decision, while praising the former Argentina captain for the level of performance that helped him complete one of the most successful international careers in football history.

“انه افضل لاعب في العالم. انه لاعب مذهل. لقد استمتعت حقا بادايه في كاس العالم؛ كان رايعا ومذهلا”.

Flick added: “من جهة، اشعر بالحزن، لكن هذه هي الحياة. لقد حقق مسيرة رايعة، انه الافضل، وقد اثبت ذلك في كاس العالم”.

Messi’s international career lasted for about 20 years. During that period, he made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals.

He won the 2022 World Cup, lifted the Copa America twice and brought an end to his time with the national team after the final of the 2026 World Cup.

Flick said he had greatly enjoyed watching Messi at the World Cup and described his displays as both “wonderful” and “amazing”. Although the Barcelona manager admitted he was disappointed to see Messi leave the international stage, he said the player had already created an extraordinary legacy.

Messi’s success with Argentina came after a long period of disappointment at major tournaments. He was part of the side that lost the 2014 World Cup final and also suffered defeat in several Copa America finals.

Those setbacks had placed considerable focus on Messi’s international record before Argentina finally ended its wait for silverware. He led the team to the Copa America title in 2021, securing his first major international trophy with the senior national side.

That triumph was followed by the defining achievement of his Argentina career when he captained the team to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. The victory completed the most important chapter of his international journey and established his position as a central figure in the country’s football history.

Flick’s comments underline the scale of Messi’s influence beyond his goals and appearances. For the Barcelona manager, the player’s standing is not diminished by his decision to retire from international football.

Instead, Flick believes Messi’s performances at the World Cup provided the clearest evidence of his enduring quality. The German coach described him as the best player in the world and pointed to his achievements with Argentina as proof of that assessment.

After years of near misses, Messi eventually guided his country to the Copa America and World Cup titles. His decision to conclude his international career therefore comes after a period in which he secured the honours that had previously eluded him.