Juan Cruz "Cacu" Leguizamón Shares Throwback Photos from Newell's Old Boys Youth Academy

According to foreign media reports, after Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team, his childhood friend Juan Cruz "Cacu" Leguizamón posted a tribute on social media and shared two previously unseen photos. In the pictures, the two were still children and were wearing Newell's Old Boys youth academy jerseys.

Leguizamón began his post by writing, "I never thought I would be ready to face this news."

The former goalkeeper, who grew up with Messi in the Rosario club's youth system, revealed that Messi had told him about the decision in advance, but he did not fully grasp its significance at the time: "You told me in advance in those football chat groups. I thought you were almost there, so I listened casually, but didn't take it too seriously because I thought I could still enjoy watching you for a long time."

Leguizamón also recalled Messi's childhood before he became famous: "I know what that leather ball meant to you. Getting ice cream with your grandma, juggling barefoot, going to the beach—we all had to go with you; eating out together, riding bikes, heading back early to be with her. She was always there." The "grandma" he mentioned was one of the most important figures in Messi's early life.

The two photos shared by Leguizamón were taken at different stages of their childhood. In the pictures, Newell's Old Boys youth academy players are wearing black and red jerseys, with a young Messi also visible in the frame. At the time, he was just one of the children who would later become a global football superstar.

Their bond dates back to their childhood in Rosario. At the time, Leguizamón was the starting goalkeeper for Newell's Old Boys' under-17 team, while Messi was the squad's standout player. Years later, their relationship had long since transcended football. Even after Messi moved to Spain and completed his development at Barcelona, they remained in contact. Leguizamón later played for clubs including Central Córdoba and 7 de Septiembre, and maintained ties with Messi's family for decades.

Leguizamón wrote in his post: "I feel that this chapter of our lives, which we experienced together and grew from, is coming to an end. We went through so much because of this beautiful Sport. Thanks to God and the universe, I had the privilege of walking alongside you and cherishing those moments that we still savor today."

He also directly thanked Messi: "'Thank you' is far from enough. I know what you sacrificed for these colors, and I know what it meant to you to represent the national team. You did it, and you delivered."

He continued: "You broke all boundaries, achieved all goals, and realized all dreams—not just your own, but ours as well. I know you leave fulfilled, great, and whole, without any regrets. That is our fulfillment, our happiness."

Leguizamón concluded: "Thank you today, tomorrow, and for life, brother." He also included two emojis at the end of the text.

In his farewell letter, Messi wrote: "This is a decision that hurts my heart and breaks my soul, but I understand it's time."

The forward has represented Argentina in 180 matches since making his national team debut in 2005. During an international career spanning more than two decades, he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and reached two further finals in 2014 and 2024.

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