Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to Sergio Aguero after retiring aged 33, wishing him 'all the best' for the future.
Manchester City's all-time leading goalscorer, 33, today announced he has decided to hang up his boots with immediate effect after being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Aguero won the Copa America alongside Messi during their time together playing for Argentina.
The Barcelona legend wrote on Instagram: "Pretty much a whole race together, Kun...
"We lived very nice moments and others that weren't so much, all of them made us more and more united and more friends.
"And we'll continue to live them together off the pitch.
"With the great joy of lifting the Copa America so little ago, with all the achievements you achieved in England...
"And the truth 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'll continue to be happy because you're a person who transmits happiness and those who love you will be with you.
"Now a new phase of your life starts and I'm convinced you're going to live it with a smile and with the illusion you put into everything.
"All the best in this new stage!!!
"I love you so much my friend, I'm going to miss being with you on the pitch and when we got together in the national team!!!"
Meanwhile, Man City star Kevin De Bruyne also had some kind words to say - calling his old partner in crime a club legend and 'one of the best strikers' to ever grace the beautiful game.
The Belgian wrote: "One of the best strikers ever!
"Want to wish you all the best for the future legend.
"See you soon."
Aguero signed for Man City from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and helped the Cityzens to the title in 2012 and the League Cup two years later.
He won five Premier League titles with the Sky Blues plus the FA Cup in 2019.
The 33-year-old made five appearances for Barça after arriving in the summer as a free agent.
Today Aguero announced: "This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football.
"It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have taken for my health; the problem I had a month and a half ago. I have been in good hands with the medical staff.
"I made the decision 10 days ago after doing everything possible to have some hope of playing on. I am very proud for my career. I always dreamed of a professional career since the first time I touched a ball at five.
"I want to thank Atletico Madrid who took a chance on me when I was 18 and Manchester City, everyone knows who I feel about City and how well they treated me there.
"I will leave with my head held high. I don't know what awaits me in the next part of my life. But I know I have people who love me. I will always remember the amazing things."
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