Former Barcelona player, Lionel Messi was part of those who paid tribute to his former teammate, Andreas Iniesta who recently announced his retirement.
Lionel Messi and Andreas Iniesta were both teammates at Barcelona where they both won four Champions League trophies in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015. The Spanish international received respect words from the football world from both current and former footballers.
What did Lionel Messi say about Andreas Iniesta’s retirement?
Lionel Messi sent his message to Iniesta via his official social media after the midfielder announced his retirement.
“One of the teammates with the most magic and one of those I enjoyed playing with the most. The ball is going to miss you, and so will all of us. I wish you the best always, you are phenomenonal.”
Pep Guardiola, Louis Van Gaal, Vicente del Bosque, and Luis Enrique, were part of those who showered praises on Iniesta for his contributions during his playing time.
How many trophies did Andreas Iniesta win?
Andres Iniesta, the Spanish midfielder, had a highly decorated career, winning numerous trophies with both club and country. This achievement can only be reached by a handful of players both in the past and present.Here is a rundown of every trophy he won for both club and country;
Club Trophies (Barcelona):
1. La Liga (8): 2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16
2. Copa del Rey (6): 2008-09, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
3. Supercopa de España (7): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016
4. UEFA Champions League (4): 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15
5. UEFA Super Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015
6. FIFA Club World Cup (3): 2009, 2011, 2015
International Trophies (Spain):
1. FIFA World Cup (1): 2010
2. UEFA European Championship (2): 2008, 2012
3. UEFA European Under-19 Championship (1): 2002
4. Olympic Silver Medal (1): 2000 (as a member of the Spanish U-23 team)
Individual Awards:
1. UEFA Best Player in Europe (1): 2012
2. IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker (2): 2012, 2013
3. La Liga Best Midfielder (5): 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
4. UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season (1): 2011
He also showed his potential in the Japanese league, he played 134 matches, netted 26 goals, and dished out 25 assists. He enjoyed one season with UAE-based club Emirates playing 23 matches for them during this period.
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