Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed his sadness following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football, while praising the Argentina captain as the best player in the world.

Flick said Messi once again demonstrated his extraordinary quality during the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, where the Inter Miami forward continued to underline his status among football’s greatest players.

Speaking to DAZN on Monday, Flick said he thoroughly enjoyed watching Messi during the tournament and reiterated his long held belief that the Argentine remains the best player in the world.

“Time flies. That’s how it is, and of course, he’s the best player in the world, so it’s unbelievable. I also greatly enjoyed his performance in the World Cup. He was fantastic,” Flick said.

“On the one hand, I’m truly sad, but in the end, that’s life, and he’s had a fantastic career. He is the best player in the world, and he proved it during the World Cup.”

Messi had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup could be his final appearance for Argentina. He officially confirmed his international retirement on August 31 through an emotional message shared on Instagram.

The Argentina captain revealed that he had made the decision shortly after the country’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final. He had initially planned to announce his retirement in July but delayed the decision following the death of his father.

Messi leaves international football after an extraordinary career with Argentina. He won two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup, ending years of disappointment on the international stage.

The 39 year old made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals, becoming the country’s most capped player and all time leading scorer.

His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina and international football, with the national team now facing the challenge of moving forward without the player who has been at the centre of its success for more than two decades.