Former Argentina international Martin Demichelis has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi, reflecting on their close relationship and the legendary forward’s lasting impact on Argentine football.

Demichelis, who is now head coach of RB Leipzig, admitted that nostalgia got the better of him when Messi’s international farewell came around. Although professional commitments prevented him from attending the occasion in Buenos Aires, the former defender said he was grateful to have shared part of his career with one of football’s greatest players.

Demichelis recalls his special relationship with Messi

Demichelis and Messi shared the Argentina dressing room during their international careers, building a relationship that extended beyond their duties with the national team.

The former defender revealed that he was among the guests at Messi’s wedding, highlighting the closeness they developed over the years.

Speaking ahead of Leipzig’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Demichelis explained why he rarely contacted Messi directly, despite their friendship.

“At the time I was a very close team-mate of his in the national team group. When Leo got married, I was one of the guests. I never liked bothering Leo through messages, because I imagine he must have millions every day,” he said.

However, Demichelis made an exception after Argentina’s reported World Cup semi-final victory over England, sending a message to congratulate his former team-mate.

Messi’s leadership left a lasting impression

For Demichelis, Messi’s influence has always extended beyond his technical ability. He highlighted the forward’s determination, leadership and ability to inspire those around him.

Reflecting on the message he sent after the semi-final, Demichelis said he felt compelled to recognise the way Messi brought the team together.

“After the semi-final I wrote to him because I felt a need to congratulate him after the match against England, where once again he showed, in a very special way, how to bring out that gut feeling as a team and as captain.

“That conviction of his, his gaze, his desire and above all his age… Wow! I felt the need to congratulate him, to ask him, for one last time, to enjoy it, regardless of what came afterwards.”

His comments underline the respect Messi commands among former team-mates, many of whom witnessed first-hand the influence he had inside the Argentina camp.

‘He will be missed’: Demichelis reflects on Messi’s legacy

Demichelis admitted that he was overcome with emotion when Messi’s international farewell arrived. Although his coaching responsibilities in Germany meant he could not travel to Buenos Aires, he followed the occasion through videos and tributes shared on social media.

“When he announced his retirement and the day came, like every Argentine, I felt overcome by nostalgia. Well, I started watching videos, moments that were emerging on social media… I couldn’t be there because of work,” he explained.

The Leipzig coach acknowledged that his professional commitments were a reminder of the opportunities he had earned, but they did little to soften the emotions he felt as an Argentine and former team-mate.

“In part I’m grateful for that, because it means I have a job at a great institution. But as an Argentine, as a former team-mate, nostalgia overcame me.”

Demichelis concluded with a heartfelt assessment of Messi’s place in football history.

“He will be missed. He left a very great legacy in the world of sport, in our football history as well. And well, I’m grateful to have been his contemporary.”

Messi’s influence goes beyond Argentina

Messi’s legacy is defined not only by his individual achievements and performances but also by the memories he has created for supporters, colleagues and fellow professionals.

For Demichelis, the opportunity to share the Argentina dressing room with the iconic No. 10 remains a source of pride. His emotional words offer another reminder of the personal connections behind football’s biggest moments—and the lasting impression Messi has made on a generation of Argentine players.