Juan Cruz 'Kaguú' Leyguizamón posted old photos from his childhood at Newell's Old Boys academy to pay tribute to Lionel Messi following the legend's retirement from international football.

Following Messi's announcement of his retirement from the Argentine national team, childhood friend Juan Cruz 'Kaguú' Leyguizamón shared an emotional tribute on social media, posting two previously unseen photos from their youth together wearing Newell's Old Boys academy jerseys.

Leyguizamón opened his post by writing: "I was never ready for this news."

The former goalkeeper, who grew up with Messi in Rosario club's youth system, revealed that Messi had informed him of his decision in advance, but he hadn't fully grasped its significance at the time: "You told me beforehand in those football chat groups. I thought you were almost done, so I didn't really pay attention. I didn't take it seriously because I thought I'd still get to enjoy you for a long time."

Leyguizamón also reminisced about Messi's life before fame: "I know what that ball meant to you. Buying ice cream with your grandmother. Juggling with bare feet. Going to the beach—we all had to go with you. Going out to eat together. Riding bikes. Rushing home to be with her. She was always there." The grandmother he references was one of the most important figures in Messi's early career.

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

Their bond traces back to their childhood in Rosario, where Leyguizamón was the goalkeeper for Newell's Old Boys' under-9 team and Messi was a standout player. Years later, their relationship transcended football. Even after Messi moved to Spain and developed as a youth player at Barcelona, they stayed in touch. Leyguizamón later played for clubs including Central Córdoba and 7 de Septiembre, and maintained contact with Messi's family for decades.

Leyguizamón wrote in his post: "I feel like a part of our lives that we experienced and grew through together is coming to an end. We've been through so much because of this beautiful sport. Thank God and the universe that I had the honor to walk alongside you and cherish those moments we hold dear to this day."

He also expressed his gratitude directly to Messi: "'Thank you' falls far short of what I want to say. I know what you gave to these colors, and I know how much playing for the national team meant to you. And you did it. You succeeded."

He continued: "You broke all the limits. You achieved all the goals. You fulfilled all the dreams—not just your own, but all of ours. I know you're leaving completely, magnificently, and fully, without regrets. That is our success. That is our happiness."

Leyguizamón concluded: "Thank you today, tomorrow, and forever, brother." He also added two emoji symbols at the end of his message.

Messi wrote in his farewell letter: "It's a decision that breaks my heart, but I understand it's time."

The striker made 207 appearances for Argentina since his international debut in 2005. Over a career spanning more than 20 years with the national team, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and reached the final twice, in 2014 and 2026.

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