This video literally gave me goosebumps and made me cry. A must watch. “The story goes that a kid born in Rosario arrived to change our lives. But not only because of the 125 goals. Or the magic of those free kicks. There was something better. Something that no newspaper managed to document. Better than the two Copa Americas. Even better than the World Cup in Qatar. Leo, do you know why you are the best in the world? Because in these 22 years, you made us better. Better fathers. Better sons. Better life companions. And without realizing it, while we shouted your goals, repeating that you were the best of all, you made us better. And that is yet another title. You made us better grandsons with every dedication to your grandmother. You made us better in the face of adversity, because despite everything that was happening to you, you took us to a World Cup final once again. Tell me if that won't make us better. You made us better with few words, when you put history in its rightful place in the eyes of the world. When you slept hugging that cup. Because you taught us that it is never too late to dream. Thank you, Leo. Thank you for the titles. For the goals. But your legacy goes much further. Because when they ask us what Leo Messi is to us, do you know what we are going to say? THE BEST OF ALL. HE MADE US ALL BETTER. LOVERS OF ARGENTINE FOOTBALL.”

Nicolas Otamendi speaking about Messi’s international retirement: “In his final match on that pitch, which for me is the most beautiful stadium in the world… I think it’s something unique, and Leo deserves to bow out in the best possible way. I think all we have to do is enjoy this moment. It will be a unique night, a special night. And as I’ve always told you, little man, you are a legend. You are the greatest player in history. It’s an honor for me to share these moments with you. I’m sending you a huge hug. Take very good care of yourself.” “What will always remain in my memory and in my heart is the hug he gave me when we became world champions, and the words he said to me at that moment. I want to thank you for everything you taught us, for your entire career, and simply thank you. I hope you are very happy alongside your whole family. Becoming world champions was crazy, and even more so being able to share that moment with him. He deserves it. He deserves it because of the person he is, and he deserves to share his moment with all the people here in Argentina. So I’m happy for him, and I wish him and his family all the best.” Joining the national team was very important for me, and having him there, getting the opportunity to play alongside him and experience everything from the inside, I think I felt immense joy when I met him. I want to thank him for everything he gave us and everything he did for the national team. Also for what he showed us as a person and for the humility he passed on to everyone. I hope that on Tuesday he gets the farewell he deserves and that he enjoys it very much. I was very nervous, and I think that happens to everyone when they meet him for the first time. Yes, we had already trained together, but the first time I asked him for a photo was at Manchester City’s training ground, where everyone was taking pictures. I took the opportunity to thank him for everything, tell him that I love him very much, and that I’m going to miss him.”

The person who made this video deserves an Oscar. Argentina thought it was time to hang Messi’s No.10 up. The fans refused. They ran through the streets, tore down the farewell tribute and kept wearing his shirt. “They’re not ready for this to be the end.” Then the message: “He can’t hang it up if you’re still wearing it.” 😭🇦🇷

Leo Messi: “The truth is that I've always tried to be myself, without thinking about the fact millions of kids are watching me, want to follow in my footsteps, or want to be professional athletes. It just comes naturally; I am always myself, and I think that's the best way to transmit everything I've always tried to show: hard work, humility, sacrifice, and family. I think that is the most important thing to become a great person. In sporting terms, you may achieve things or not, but beyond being an elite athlete, I believe sport in general and in everyday life transmits many values and brings people together. Sport in the world is very important, and I try to act how I've always been and as I always am.”