Messi's decision shakes Flick: Barcelona coach breaks his silence with moving words

What did he say?

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has voiced his sadness at Lionel Messi's decision to end his international career, insisting the former Argentina captain will always be the best player in the world after a glittering career packed with silverware.

"He is the best player in the world," Flick said of Messi's decision. "He is an amazing player. I really enjoyed his performance at the World Cup. It was wonderful and amazing."

The German added: "On one hand, I feel sad, but that's life. He has had a wonderful career, he is the best, and he proved it at the World Cup."

Messi's decision closes the book on an international career spanning roughly 20 years. He played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals, lifting the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles before bowing out after the 2026 World Cup final.

The road to glory was a long and painful one. Messi lost the 2014 World Cup final and a string of Copa América finals before finally leading his country to the continental crown in 2021. A year later came the crowning moment: World Cup glory in Qatar, the most important chapter of his international story.