Onazi, Okocha, Neymar lead tributes to Messi after Argentina retirement
Nigerian football stars Ogenyi Onazi and Austin Okocha lead tributes to Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football with Argentina. Read More: https://punchng.com/onazi-okocha-neymar-lead-tributes-to-messi-after-argentina-retirement/
Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international football career in a farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old announced his retirement following Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, expressed that he had given everything to his country.
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha lauded Messi's exceptional talent, calling him "on another planet; he's art. He was born to play football." Nollywood actress Uche Jombo reflected on the impact Messi had on a generation of football fans, stating, "I honestly don't know how to say goodbye to you, Leo! For so many of us, you helped make us fall in love with football." FIFA also paid tribute to Messi, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
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