Modric Says Facing Messi Was a “Lot of Suffering” as He Pays Tribute to His Old Rival

Luka Modric has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain retired from international football, admitting he suffered a lot whenever he faced him.

Speaking to Cadena SER, the AC Milan midfielder said it is a shame to see Messi go, but that the decision must be respected. 

"What can I say about him? It's a shame he's retiring, but it's his decision and we have to respect it," Modric said. "He's achieved something incredible with the national team; he's won the World Cup he wanted so much."

He added: "He's one of the best players in the world, a one-of-a-kind player, and it's been a pleasure to watch him play, even though I've suffered a lot against him, both with Croatia and with Real Madrid. I wish him the best of luck."

The numbers back that up. The pair faced each other 27 times in club and international games. Modric won 10 of them and drew five, but lost 12.

Messi, 39, ended his 21-year international career at the Monumental in Buenos Aires with a 3-0 win over Benin. 

He set up two goals and then scored a 71st-minute penalty, his 126th for Argentina. He lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, which sealed his place in the game's history.

After the game, a tearful Messi spoke to the crowd and dedicated the night to his late father, Jorge, who died in August. "It's a lot of emotions. Obviously the first thing I think about is my dad," he said. 

He added: "All that's left for me to do is say thank you. It's meant so much to me to wear this shirt for 20 years. I never stopped striving, fighting, or wanting to be here."

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He said leaving the team hurts. "Not coming back will be a great sorrow. I'd love to come back forever, because playing in Argentina is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you."

Messi now turns his focus to Inter Miami. With no more international trips, he should be able to save his energy and play on for longer at club level. 

Modric, meanwhile, continues his late-career spell in Italy and wants to help Milan win trophies in Serie A.