“Lionel Messi deserves it” - When Toni Kroos paid glowing tribute to Argentina captain after 2022 FIFA World Cup win

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos was full of praise for superstar Lionel Messi after Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. Speaking on the day after La Albiceleste lifted the trophy, the German midfielder hailed Messi's individual performances and consistency.

He said (via Magenta TV):

"Leo Messi deserves it. In terms of individual performances at a tournament, I've never seen a footballer play as consistently as this guy. You have to bear in mind that he's never played for clubs that I like, which proves that I'm serious."

Messi had a sensational World Cup in Qatar, leading Argentina to their second world title. In seven games, he bagged seven goals and three assists.

Kroos, on the other hand, announced on Tuesday, May 21, that he would retire from football following the 2024 UEFA EURO. His last game for Real Madrid will be the upcoming Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

He will also feature for Germany after Julian Nagelsmann's call up and they will hope to win the tournament at home.

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos announces retirement from football

Kroos is set to hang up his boots.

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos announced that he would retire at the end of the 2024 Euros. In a post on Instagram, the German midfielder shocked many by announcing his decision, saying:

"July 17th, 2014 - the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer - but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world. After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me.

"But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one. At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club.

"I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!"

Kroos began his career with Bayern Munich, getting to the senior squad from the academy's ranks. He secured to move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014, going on to establish himself as one of the legends of the club.

He was set to be out of contract in the summer, with discussions around an extension prevailing. In his tenure with Real Madrid, he has won La Liga four times and the Champions League as many times.