Messi's emotional message to Aguero after he announces retirement

Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Sergio Aguero after the Barcelona striker was forced to announce his retirement from football on Wednesday.

Aguero made the move to Barcelona last summer in the hope of playing alongside his best friend in Messi, but contractual problems led to the Blaugrana's all-time record goalscorer departing the club for Paris Saint-Germain.

In his message for Aguero, Messi highlighted the way in which they have become close friends and enjoyed some good moments on the pitch, like winning the Copa America with Argentina.

"Practically a whole career together, Kun.... We've had some great moments and others that weren't so great, but all of them have made us grow closer and become better friends. And we're going to continue spending them together off the pitch," Messi wrote in an Instagram post.

"With the great joy of lifting the Copa America just a little while ago, with all the achievements you obtained in England.... And the truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you love the most because of what happened to you. I'm sure you will continue to be happy because you are a person who radiates happiness and those of us who love you will be there for you. Now a new stage of your life is beginning and I am convinced that you will enjoy it with a smile on your face and with all the enthusiasm that you put into everything.

"All the best in this new stage! I love you very much my friend, I'm going to miss a lot being with you on the pitch and when we meet up with the national team."

Aguero was only able to play in five Barcelona matches before suffering a cardiac arrhythmia, but he was able to get on the scoresheet in that time, doing so in the Clasico against Real Madrid.

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