Kareena Kapoor's son heartbroken as Messi retires from football
Synopsis
Kareena Kapoor's Instagram tribute to Messi — a reposted career highlights reel captioned 'Number 10 forever' and a photo of her son in a number 10 jersey — is a reminder that Messi's retirement is not just a football story. It is a cultural moment that cut through to Bollywood living rooms and a generation of Indian kids who grew up watching the Argentine.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on 31 August .
Kareena Kapoor reacted on Instagram Stories , reposting a Messi career tribute video captioned 'Number 10 forever' .
She shared a photo of one of her sons in a number 10 jersey , reportedly heartbroken by the news.
Both sons — Taimur and Jeh — had met Messi during his three-day India visit in December 2025 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai .
Kareena was among several Indian celebrities who publicly reacted to Messi's retirement announcement.
Actress Kareena Kapoor took to Instagram Stories on 1 September to share her family's emotional response to Lionel Messi's retirement announcement, revealing that the news left her football-loving son heartbroken. The post offered a rare glimpse into the celebrity household's deep admiration for the Argentine legend.
What Kareena Shared
Kareena reposted a video on her Instagram Stories celebrating some of the most iconic moments from Messi's storied career, captioning it 'Number 10 forever' followed by red heart emojis. She also posted a candid photograph of one of her sons — his back to the camera — wearing a blue jersey bearing Messi's iconic number 10.
It remains unclear whether the photograph features her elder son Taimur or younger son Jeh, as both have been seen in number 10 jerseys previously. Kareena also dropped red heart emojis in the comments section of Messi's own retirement post, joining a wave of Indian celebrities reacting to the news.
Messi's Retirement Announcement
Football icon Lionel Messi confirmed on 31 August that he would be stepping away from international football, triggering an outpouring of tributes from players, fans, and public figures across the globe. The announcement marked the end of an era for one of the sport's most decorated careers.
The Kapoor-Messi Connection
Kareena's emotional response is rooted in a personal encounter. During Messi's three-day promotional visit to India in December 2025, the actress took Taimur and Jeh to a special meet-and-greet with the Argentine star at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. She later shared pictures from the meeting on social media, showing Messi posing with her two sons — Taimur wearing a jersey with Messi's name and Jeh in an Argentina jersey.
Celebrity Reactions to Messi's Retirement
Kareena was among several Indian celebrities who publicly mourned Messi's retirement. The announcement has drawn tributes from across the entertainment and sports worlds, underscoring the Argentine's reach far beyond traditional football markets. Notably, Messi's December 2025 India tour had already generated significant fan frenzy, cementing his popularity on the subcontinent.
With Messi's international chapter now closed, the outpouring from fans young and old — including the Kapoor household — reflects the singular emotional bond the footballer has built across generations and geographies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kareena Kapoor's son heartbroken over Messi's retirement?
Kareena Kapoor's son is reportedly heartbroken because of his deep admiration for Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football on 31 August. Both her sons, Taimur and Jeh, had previously met Messi during his December 2025 India visit and were photographed wearing his number 10 jersey.
What did Kareena Kapoor post about Messi's retirement?
Kareena reposted a video on her Instagram Stories highlighting memorable moments from Messi's career, captioning it 'Number 10 forever' with red heart emojis. She also shared a candid photo of one of her sons wearing a blue number 10 jersey.
When did Lionel Messi announce his retirement?
Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement from international football on 31 August, triggering tributes from fans, fellow footballers, and celebrities worldwide.
When did Messi visit India and meet Kareena Kapoor's family?
Messi visited India in December 2025 on a three-day promotional tour. Kareena took her sons Taimur and Jeh to a meet-and-greet with him at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and later shared pictures from the occasion on social media.
Which other Indian celebrities reacted to Messi's retirement?
Kareena Kapoor was among several Indian celebrities who publicly reacted to Messi's retirement announcement, expressing admiration through social media posts and comments on Messi's own retirement post.
