Messi bids farewell to Iniesta after his retirement announcement
- Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from football on October 7, 2024, through a heartfelt video.
- Lionel Messi, who played with Iniesta at FC Barcelona for 14 years, expressed his admiration and shared memories of their time together.
- Iniesta is expected to transition into coaching, potentially taking a role at the La Masia academy, marking a new chapter in his career.
On October 7, 2024, Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from football, prompting an emotional farewell from his former teammate Lionel Messi. The announcement was made through a heartfelt video shared on social media, which resonated with fans and fellow players alike. Iniesta, who spent 22 years at FC Barcelona, played alongside Messi from 2004 until his departure to Vissel Kobe in Japan in 2018. Their partnership was marked by numerous accolades, including a shared podium at the 2010 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Messi won the award while Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez followed. Following his retirement, Iniesta is expected to transition into coaching, with potential roles linked to overseeing the La Masia academy, where he developed his skills. The football community has expressed admiration for Iniesta's contributions to the sport, highlighting his exceptional talent and intelligence on the field. As Messi and other former teammates have moved to Major League Soccer, there were speculations about Iniesta possibly joining them in the United States, but he seems focused on his future in coaching instead.