Legendary Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta said goodbye to football on Monday and the world’s football fraternity started pouring tributes to him. Simultaneously, the world’s football fraternity was also waiting for the reaction of Lionel Messi. 

Messi and Iniesta made one of the most iconic partnerships in football history, appearing together in 482 matches for Barcelona, sharing the spoils of four UEFA Champions League trophies and eight La Liga titles.

The legendary Argentine, who now plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, took to social media to share his well wishes to Iniesta upon news of his retirement from football.

In a heartfelt post on his Instagram stories, Messi shared a picture of the duo in action for Barcelona, as he conveyed his goodbyes and heartfelt thanks to the Spaniard for his legendary career. 

‘One of the most magical teammates and one I enjoyed playing with the most. @andresiniesta8, the ball will miss you, and so will we! Wishing you the best always, you’re a phenomenon,’ wrote Messi. 

The pair rose through Barcelona’s famed La Masía academy, breaking into the first team in the late 2000s and quickly establishing themselves as linchpins of the squad.