International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah congratulated Lionel Messi on his international journey on Tuesday, following the Argentine legend’s retirement. “An era-defining international journey comes to an end. Reflecting on our meeting during your historic visit to India, your profound humility stood out just as much as your unmatched genius on the pitch,” Shah wrote on X with a picture where he presented Messi with a jersey of Indian cricket.
Shah took to social media to hail the Argentine World Cup winner, reflecting on their meeting when Messi came to India last year with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
“I’m going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, drawing the curtain on a legendary 21-year career. Messi said he wrote his retirement message on July 21, two days after his side lost to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The Argentine icon ended his long wait for a World Cup when he led the La Albiceleste to the title in 2022.
He shared a statement in which he said he felt “hurt” by the decision but that he has “nothing left to give”. He also said he would miss the fans on the pitch. “Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years,” he said in his message to the supporters.
“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,” Messi wrote in his statement.
