Nico Paz posted on social media to pay tribute to Messi. He recalled watching Messi's matches with his father since he was four years old, and said that he once thought it was impossible to play alongside Messi, but eventually his dream came true, and he accompanied Messi through the final stage of his national team career.

Nico Paz wrote: "Thank you, Leo. Since I was four years old, I have watched every one of your matches with my father. We would even calculate together to see if there was a chance for me to play with you, and at the time we both thought it was impossible. But thank God, I finally realized my dream and was able to accompany you through the final stage of your national team journey.

Thank you for everything you have done for the national team, and thank you for teaching me and millions of others to keep fighting even when things are not going well. When millions of people were criticizing you, you didn't need to prove anything to anyone, but you chose to keep fighting and eventually got everything you deserved.

Thank you for everything you have done. Continue to enjoy your favorite thing—football, and we will continue to enjoy watching you play."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com