‘10/10 is no coincidence’: Emotional tributes for Messi continue to pour in
Lionel Messi returned to club duty with Inter Miami following an emotional farewell to Argentina’s national team, delivering a sensational performance by scoring twice in a 4-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday.
However, beyond his goals and the emphatic result, heartfelt tributes from Argentina’s coaching staff and teammates have continued to highlight the extraordinary impact of the legendary No. 10, whose influence extends far beyond the football pitch.
While Messi resumed his club commitments in impressive fashion, emotions surrounding his Argentina farewell remain strong. One of the most touching tributes came from Luis Martin, the national team’s physical trainer, who chose October 10 to express his gratitude to the Argentine superstar in a deeply personal Instagram post.
“10/10 is no coincidence,” Martín began, reflecting on the countless memories, conversations and experiences he shared with Messi throughout their years together with Argentina.
“I waited for this day to thank you for every moment, every instant, every smile. In each of your arms I found love, every time I stepped onto the field you were my safe haven, and your conversations were always filled with empathy and wisdom,” he wrote.
Martin also acknowledged the emotional challenge of moving forward without Messi beside him during Argentina’s preparations, admitting that the captain’s absence would leave a significant void.
“The void will be enormous; looking to my right during warm-ups and not seeing you by my side will be a situation I will have to deal with,” he added.
His words offered a glimpse into the personal side of a footballer whose achievements have made him a global icon. For those who have worked alongside Messi, his greatness is not defined exclusively by his goals, trophies or individual accolades, but also by his humility, empathy and the relationships he has built throughout his career.
“I had the privilege of being able to tell you in person how much I love you and how much all Argentinians love you,” Martin continued, emphasising the affection Messi commands both within the national team and across the country.
The physical trainer reflected on the years of training camps, matches and shared experiences that had become an invaluable part of his life. He expressed hope that he had managed to give Messi something in return for everything the captain had given him, before wishing the superstar all the happiness he deserves.
Martin concluded his emotional tribute with a simple message that captured the feelings of countless Argentina supporters: “I’m going to miss you, Leo.”
The post featured 20 photographs documenting their time together, with the opening image showing Martín embracing Messi during Argentina’s memorable journey at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament represented the culmination of years of perseverance for Messi, who finally lifted football’s most coveted international trophy after enduring years of pressure and disappointment.
The trainer’s admiration for Messi also extends beyond words. Martín reportedly commemorated the captain with a tattoo depicting him celebrating Argentina’s unforgettable victory over England, alongside Messi’s signature, demonstrating the lasting personal significance of their shared journey.
Meanwhile, tributes from Messi’s Argentina teammates have further illustrated the profound respect and affection he commands within the dressing room.
Rodrigo De Paul, one of the captain’s closest friends and trusted teammates, delivered a particularly emotional message that reflected the feelings of the squad.
“Without you, none of this would have happened. I love you, brother,” De Paul wrote, acknowledging Messi’s central role in Argentina’s remarkable transformation into a major international trophy-winning side.
Defender Cristian Romero also expressed his gratitude to the captain, crediting him with teaching the squad to believe in themselves and never give up, even in the most difficult circumstances.
“Thank you so much for teaching us to never give up and to believe that anything is possible. I love you, captain,” Romero wrote.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, whose decisive saves played a crucial role in the team’s triumphs, offered another heartfelt tribute.
“Thank you for making me the best goalkeeper in the world. I saved your goals with all my heart,” Martínez said.
Lisandro Martinez also praised Messi for changing the history of the national team, recognizing the commitment and determination with which the captain represented his country.
“Leo, thank you for changing the history of our national team. You lived and fought for us until the very end. We’re going to miss you, I love you,” he wrote.
Lautaro Martinez highlighted Messi’s contribution to his own development, expressing gratitude for the captain’s legacy and the lessons he had learned from playing alongside him. Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Tagliafico similarly praised the happiness, dedication and unconditional love Messi brought to the Argentina shirt.
The tributes formed part of an initiative involving the national team’s kit sponsor, which also released videos of players expressing their appreciation for the legendary forward. Romero described Messi as a brilliant person, reinforcing the idea that the captain’s influence reaches well beyond his performances on the pitch.
For Argentina’s emerging talents, sharing a dressing room with Messi has been an extraordinary opportunity. Nicolas Paz described playing alongside the superstar as a dream, while Franco Mastantuono reflected on how much he had learned from him. Their comments underline the significance of Messi’s legacy as a new generation of Argentine footballers begins to establish its own identity.
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