FROM THE FIRST HUG, TO THE LAST”: LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ PAYS EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO MESSI AS HE RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA
Inter Milan and Argentina striker Lautaro Martínez has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi following the captain’s announcement to retire from international football. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Martínez reflected on their years together with the national team, describing Messi’s impact as one that went far beyond trophies and statistics.
“Leo, I don’t know if there are enough words to thank you for everything you did for us,” Martínez wrote. “Beyond everything you achieved on the pitch, I keep everything you taught us off it, to never give up, to keep trying after every setback, to work in silence and above all, to always believe in ourselves.” The forward began his message with “From the first hug, to the last,” accompanied by a hugging emoji, signaling the deep personal bond he shared with Messi.
Martínez emphasized that Messi’s leadership was defined not only by goals, assists, or titles, but by the example he set for an entire generation of Argentina players. “Your leadership wasn’t just in the goals, the assists or the titles, but in the example you gave us all these years representing our national team,” he said, adding a crown emoji to honor the captain.
The 27-year-old said Messi leaves behind more than memories for his teammates. “To me and to all our teammates, you left much more than memories. You left lessons we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives,” Martínez wrote. He thanked Messi for “every piece of advice, every conversation, every training session, every hug and every moment shared,” and for allowing them to be part of his historic journey with Argentina.
“We’re going to miss you so much, captain. We’re going to be eternally grateful to have been able to share this journey with you,” Martínez concluded. Messi’s retirement closes a chapter that saw him lead Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and multiple Copa America titles, with Martínez and his teammates now tasked with carrying forward the lessons of their captain.
