Messi: Two players I've enjoyed a lot of time with are leaving football

Javier Mascherano and Fernando Gago have both decided to bring their playing careers to an end and Lionel Messi has wished them both well in retirement. The forward played with both of the midfielders for the Argentine national team, while Mascherano was also a club teammate at Barcelona between 2010 and 2018.

"Two people who I've spent and enjoyed a lot of time with are leaving football and I want to send them a message," Messi wrote in an Instagram post.

"Fer, I hope everything goes well for you. We've known each other since we were 17. It was my pleasure to share a dressing room with you for the national team and to play against you. You know that. I hope all goes well and that you can keep fulfilling your dreams.

"And what to say, Masche. We were together for so many years, seeing each other every day and sharing so much. We had very happy moments and some tough ones too with both Argentina and Barcelona. We've missed you since you left. I wish the best for you and your family."

Messi is currently with the Argentine national team, preparing to take on Peru in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.