Barcelona director Deco pays tribute to Messi following Argentina retirement: ‘A legendary journey’

Barcelona director Deco pays tribute to Messi following Argentina retirement: ‘A legendary journey’ The footballing world witnessed Lionel Messi in an Argentina shirt for one last time, as the Albiceleste secured a 3-0 win over Benin on Tuesday. It was an emotional moment for the entire nation and its fans, as well as players, some of whom could not hold back their tears on the night. In the wake of his farewell match, Messi has received tributes from the football fraternity , with Neymar notably penning an emotional note to his former Barcelona and PSG teammate. Deco offers tribute to Lionel Messi Now, even Barcelona sporting director Deco has joined in, offering a tribute to Messi following his final international match for Argentina. Messi and Deco played together at Barcelona. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Getty Images). “A legendary journey with the Argentine National Team. Congratulations on every chapter of an incredible career. Football and everyone who loves the sport thank you, Leo!” he wrote on Instagram . Deco, of course, shares a close bond with Messi, having played together at Barcelona as teammates between 2004 and 2008. The duo played 79 matches together, winning two La Liga titles as well as the Champions League in 2006, before Deco left for Chelsea in the summer of 2008. Messi’s farewell still on the table? With Messi having already played his final international game, one can only imagine that it won’t be long before the legendary player plays his final football match. Messi in his final game for Argentina. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images) That is why the onus is on Barcelona to host a farewell game for Messi, ideally before the Argentine retires from football altogether. Unfortunately, the dysfunctional relationship with Joan Laporta and Messi means the club have been unable to arrange such a farewell game in the past five years. Laporta himself had recently confirmed that Messi had other plans , when asked about the failed return, but insisted that plans for a farewell tribute remain on the table. Keeping that in mind, it remains to be seen if and when a farewell game for Messi will take place at Camp Nou.