Lionel Messi sends message to Andres Iniesta as Barcelona legend retires

Lionel Messi has sent a touching message to Andres Iniesta as the Barcelona legend prepares to finally hang up his boots.

Iniesta is calling it a day at the age of 40 and bringing to an end one of the most remarkable football careers in the history of the game.

He will be missed by fans and former colleagues all over the globe, with Messi leading the way by posting on Instagram.

“One of the teammates with the most magic and one of the ones I enjoyed playing with the most. Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you, and so will all of us. I wish you the best always; you are a phenomenon.”

Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba also had some kind words for Iniesta.

He posted: “Football says goodbye to one of its legends. It was certainly a pleasure to share the dressing room and the touchline with you, as well as to understand each other so well, in the national team and at Barça, and to have enjoyed so many moments together. You are a great person and I am convinced that you will do spectacularly in this new stage of life. This sport owes you a lot, @andresiniesta8. Much success in everything that is to come, my friend.”