Lionel Messi on Wednesday posted a note for Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero after the striker announced his retirement from professional football. “It hurts,” the Paris Saint Germain star said, wishing the 33-year-old luck for his future. 

Aguero announced his retirement from football due to a heart condition. The former Manchester City player had been out of action after suffering chest pains during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves in October. He was taken to a hospital for tests and  diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia. 

Also read: 5 reasons why Sergio Aguero will be recalled as Manchester City legend

“Practically a whole career together, Kun … We lived very beautiful moments and others that were not so, all of them made us unite more and more and be more friends. And we are going to continue living them together outside the field. With the great joy of lifting the America’s Cup so little ago, with all the achievements you achieved in England,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“And the truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you like the most because of what happened to you. Surely you will continue to be happy because you are a person who transmits happiness and those of us who love you will be with you. Now a new stage of your life begins and I am convinced that you are going to live it with a smile and with all the illusion that you put into everything,” he added.

Also read: Sergio Aguero, Christian Eriksen: 5 footballers with heart problems

In a press conference on Wednesday Aguero announced his retirement. 

“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,” the Argentine said. 

The Barcelona 2021 signee finished his career with 379 club goals and 118 assists in 663 games. He played for Independiente, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, and Barca. The striker won 17 trophies, 15 with Manchester City.