Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor has expressed her sadness following Lionel Messi’s announcement that he is retiring from international football. The Argentine icon confirmed on August 31 that he would step away from the sport, stating, “I don’t have anything more to give.”
Kareena shared her reaction on Instagram Stories, where she reposted a video highlighting some of the athlete’s most iconic career moments. She captioned the tribute, “Number 10 forever,” accompanied by red heart emojis. The actress also posted a photograph of one of her sons wearing a blue jersey featuring Messi’s signature No. 10, reflecting the family’s personal connection to the player.
This connection was solidified in December 2025, when Kareena and her sons, Taimur and Jeh, met Messi during his three-day promotional tour in India. The actress had previously shared images from that visit, including a photo of her children dressed in Argentina jerseys. She was also seen leaving Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium following the encounter.
Messi’s retirement has triggered a wave of emotional tributes from celebrities and fans globally, marking the end of a storied career for one of football’s most celebrated figures. The news has prompted widespread reflection on his legacy and impact on the sport. The report also notes that kareena had taken Taimur and Jeh to a special meet-and-greet with the football star and later shared pictures from the memorable occasion on social media. The report also notes that she posted a picture of herself with her two sons, all seen from behind, before the meeting.
Additional Context and Updates
- Retirement Status: Messi officially confirmed his departure from international football on August 31.
- Family Reflection: Messi’s mother recently recalled words from Jorge regarding the retirement decision.
- Career Legacy: Discussions continue regarding whether Messi’s greatest achievement transcends the World Cup trophy.
- Industry News: Kareena Kapoor is currently appearing in the film Daayra, which also stars Prithviraj.
- Statistical Milestone: Analysts are closely monitoring the ongoing race to 1,000 goals to see if Messi can surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
Source: Gulf News
