Andres Iniesta has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40, with Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola honoring the Spanish midfielder.

Andres Iniesta has officially hung up his boots at the age of 40, marking the end of an illustrious career that has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the footballing world. Among those paying homage is none other than Lionel Messi, who hailed Iniesta as a “phenomenon” and a true maestro of the game.

Iniesta’s career is nothing short of remarkable. He was a pivotal figure in Spain’s historic World Cup triumph in 2010, scoring the decisive goal in the final against the Netherlands. His contributions to Barcelona are equally legendary, having been a key player in a team often regarded as one of the greatest in football history.

Emerging from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Iniesta made nearly 700 appearances for the Catalan club, amassing an astonishing 29 major trophies during his time at the Nou Camp. This impressive haul includes nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League victories, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Iniesta’s midfield partnership with Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets was a cornerstone of Barcelona’s success, particularly during Pep Guardiola’s tenure as manager. Together, they formed a trio that struck fear into the hearts of opponents, complemented by the likes of Messi, Dani Alves, and David Villa.

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta took his talents to Japan, where he spent five years with Vissel Kobe. He later concluded his playing days at Emirates in the UAE Pro League, capping off a career filled with accolades and unforgettable moments.

Reflecting on his retirement, Iniesta expressed a mix of emotions, stating, “I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it. Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness.” He reminisced about his journey from a small town in Fuentealbilla to achieving his dream of becoming a professional footballer, underscoring the hard work and sacrifice that defined his career.

Guardiola, who managed Iniesta during some of his most successful years, praised the midfielder for his wisdom and composure during challenging times. “It gave me the boost to keep going. I will always be grateful, very much so,” he remarked.

Messi also took to social media to pay tribute to his former teammate, stating, “One of the team-mates with the most magic and one of the ones I enjoyed playing with the most. Andres Iniesta, the ball will miss you, and so will all of us. I wish you the best always; you are a phenomenon.”

As the footballing world bids farewell to Andres Iniesta, his legacy as one of the game’s greats will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of players to follow in his footsteps.