Jay Shah pays tribute to Lionel Messi on retirement from international football

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.

“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.” He added: “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,” Shah wrote on a post on X (formerly Twitter).

What did Messi achieve across his international career with Argentina?

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.

Away from the World Cup, Messi’s trophy cabinet with Argentina grew considerably in his later years. 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.

How has Jay Shah fared as ICC Chairman?

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.