Not many people in the history of football mastered the act of holding on to the ball while being majestic on it… Only a handful of gifted players like Andres Iniesta could do it gracefully.
Hence, when the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday, the game’s ecosystem rightfully paid homage to one of its greatest ever ambassadors.
The La Masia Academy graduate, who was born in the tiny village of Fuentealbilla, less than an hour’s drive southeast from capital Madrid, won numerous titles across his 24-year career for both club and country, including the FIFA World Cup, European Championship, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, to mention a few.
It was, however, only right for him to receive praise from past and present football stars, clubs, experts, and fans, and Afrosport highlights some of the farewell messages the 40-year-old got.
Iniesta’s former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, wrote on social media: “One of the most magical teammates and one of those who I most enjoyed playing together, Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you and so will we! I wish you all the best, you are a phenomenon.”
A statement from rivals Real Madrid read: “Following Andrés Iniesta’s announcement that he is retiring from professional football, Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors would like to express their recognition, admiration and affection for one of the biggest legends of Spanish and world football.
“Andrés Iniesta has enriched the sport through his football and his values, in addition to the numerous trophies he has won during his career. His iconic goal in the 2010 World Cup Final in South Africa will forever remain in the memory of every Spanish fan.
“Real Madrid would like to wish him and his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.”
Iniesta, your football will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/bjrCf6GBIJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 8, 2024
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Por tu fútbol, por tus valores, por darnos nuestra ⭐️.
Simplemente 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗦 por TANTÍSIMO, @andresiniesta8.
ℹ️ https://t.co/YIZOiWpizJ #VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/wzhtpqoxa8
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 8, 2024
⚽ Don Andrés Iniesta, patrimonio del fútbol. #LALIGAEASPORTS | @FCBarcelona_es pic.twitter.com/u1xC7xp8ek
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) October 8, 2024
Then. Now. Forever. ♾️@andresiniesta8 will always be iconic. 🔴🟡#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9uuOEw8PX2
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 8, 2024
A magician. A phenomenon.
Don Andrés Iniesta 🎩@andresiniesta8 | #UCL pic.twitter.com/WGT2mSjzDm
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 8, 2024
Andrés Iniesta 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 the only player in history to have been named Man of the Match in the finals of:
✅ World Cup
✅ Champions League
✅ EUROsThank you, legend ❤️♾️ pic.twitter.com/JmzN1xuUgn
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) October 7, 2024
Happy retirement to one of the greatest footballers, ever.
Don Andrés Iniesta. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/V8T6sh0g8m
— Shirtless Plantain Show 🇳🇬 (@theplantainshow) October 8, 2024
Andrés Iniesta, the greatest and best midfielder of all time has officially retired.
Eternal legend. pic.twitter.com/CsxwPbJxnx
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 7, 2024
