International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah on Tuesday paid tribute to Argentine football icon Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football, recalling a personal cross-sport moment when he presented Messi with an Indian cricket jersey during the legend's visit to India.

Shah's Message to Messi

Shah took to social media platform X to honour Messi, sharing a photograph from their meeting in India. 'An era-defining international journey comes to an end. Reflecting on our meeting during your historic visit to India, your profound humility stood out just as much as your unmatched genius on the pitch,' Shah wrote.

'Personally presenting you with our national colours remains a proud cross-sport moment. Thank you for the memories, Leo Messi. Wishing you the absolute best in your next chapter!' he added. Messi had visited India alongside teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul last year.

Messi's 21-Year International Career Ends

Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, drawing the curtain on a legendary 21-year career with the Argentina national side. He shared a heartfelt statement in which he said he felt 'hurt' by the decision but acknowledged he had 'nothing left to give'.

'Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team,' Messi wrote in his retirement statement.

'I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance,' he added.

The Moment That Prompted the Decision

Messi revealed he wrote his retirement message on 21 July, just two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The defeat marked the end of a remarkable chapter — Messi had famously led La Albiceleste to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, ending his long wait for international football's biggest prize.

Messi's Farewell to Fans

In an emotional sign-off, Messi expressed gratitude to supporters worldwide. 'Thank you for all the love over the past 20 years. I'm going to miss hearing you from the pitch so much,' he said.

'Now I'll be just one of you, always cheering and supporting from the sidelines. I'm leaving with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we'd only dreamed of. It was incredible to have experienced this with you all. I love you!' he wrote. With Messi's exit, a generation of football fans worldwide closes one of the sport's most celebrated chapters.