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Jay Shah Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi After Argentina Legend Retires From International Football
ICC Chairman Jay Shah has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine's retirement from international football at age 39. Shah recalled presenting Messi with an India cricket team jersey during his visit to India, calling the moment a 'proud cross-sport moment.' Messi retires as Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
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ICC Chairman Honors Messi's International Career
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine football legend's retirement from international football, recalling their meeting during Messi's historic visit to India.
In a post on Instagram, Shah described Messi's humility as being as impressive as his achievements on the football field. "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.
Shah also recalled presenting Messi with an India cricket team jersey during their meeting, describing it as a proud moment that brought together two different sporting worlds. "Personally presenting you with our national colors remains a proud cross-sport moment. Thank you for the memories, @leomessi. Wishing you the absolute best in your next chapter!" he added. The tribute was also posted on X (formerly Twitter), according to reports.
A Record-Breaking International Career
Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31 at the age of 39, bringing an end to a 21-year association with the Argentina national side, as reported by multiple outlets.
He finishes his international career as Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals, and is also the highest goal-scorer in South American football history.
Messi's time with Argentina spanned six FIFA World Cup tournaments between 2006 and 2026, during which he scored 21 goals in 34 matches. His 2026 campaign was notable, yielding eight goals and four assists, including his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria. That tally of 21 World Cup goals places him second on the all-time list, with Kylian Mbappé holding the record at 22.
He guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, ending a 36-year wait for the nation with a victory over France in the final. He also won back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, capping a decorated international career.
Shah's Role in Cricket Administration
Shah took over as the chairman of the ICC on December 1, 2024, becoming the youngest-ever chairman in the history of the board. Before that, he served as chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and as secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
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ICC Chairman Jay Shah marked the end of Lionel Messi's international career with a heartfelt tribute, a day after the Argentine legend announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026.
Messi stepped away at the age of 39, concluding a 21-year journey with the Argentina national side.
Shah pointed to a personal memory from Messi's historic visit to India, during which the ICC Chairman had the opportunity to present him with an India cricket team jersey.
Shah described the exchange as a moment where two vastly different sporting worlds came together.
Shah's quote: "An era-defining international journey comes to an end."
Shah's quote: "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's quote: "Personally presenting you with our national colors remains a proud cross-sport moment."
Shah's quote: "Thank you for the memories, @leomessi."
Shah's quote: "Wishing you the absolute best in your next chapter," Shah wrote on a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Messi's time with Argentina stretched across six FIFA World Cup tournaments between 2006 and 2026, during which he netted 21 goals in 34 matches.
His 2026 campaign was particularly striking, yielding 8 goals and 4 assists, including a maiden hat-trick against Algeria.
That tally of 21 World Cup goals places him second on the all-time list, with Kylian Mbappe holding the record at 22.
He guided the side to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, ending a 36-year wait for the nation with a victory over France in the final.
He also collected back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, reinforcing his status as one of the most decorated players in the history of international football.
Shah took over as the chairman of the ICC on December 1, 2024, becoming the youngest-ever chairman in the history of the board.
Prior to this, he had been the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and had served as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and has established himself as one of the most pivotal figures in cricketing administration in the modern era.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimLionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026.
ClaimShah said: '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.'
ClaimPrior to becoming ICC Chairman, Shah had been the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and had served as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.