India, Oct. 7 -- Argentina legend Angel Di Maria penned an emotional note for Lionel Messi, alongside whom he played for 18 years in international football. The two icons began their journey in the same era, faced several heartbreaks, and then lifted the World Cup title and twin Copa America titles, bringing glory back to Argentina. Di Maria retired from international football after the 2024 Copa America. Messi decided to retire after the 2026 World Cup, playing his last international match against Benin on Wednesday (IST), arranged as his farewell match.

Messi bid adieu to international soccer after 21 years, 126 goals, two Copa America titles, and a World Cup championship. He scored a penalty and set up Argentina's other two goals for ...