Yahoo News 'I learned a lot by your side': Lionel Messi pays emotional tribute to retiring Ronaldinho
Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to Ronaldinho after his former Barcelona team-mate retired from football this week.
The Brazilian's brother and agent, Roberto Assis, announced the news on Tuesday along with a series of farewell matches for the 37-year-old after the upcoming 2018 World Cup.
Messi played alongside Ronaldinho as the Argentine was breaking into Frank Rijkaard's first-team squad from 2004, winning La Liga twice and the Champions League once together.
"As I always said, I learned a lot by your side," Messi wrote on Instagram.
A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Jan 17, 2018 at 8:28am PST
"I will always be grateful to you for how easy it was that you did everything to me when I got to the dressing room.
"I was lucky to share many things with you and I am very happy because, in addition to a phenomenon with the ball, you are a very great person and that is the most important thing.
"Even if you decide to leave, football will never forget your smile. All the best, Ronnie."
