Countless tributes have been paid to World Cup winning goalkeeper including the huge plaudits from his former club Real Madrid mastered by club President Florentino Perez.
Notwithstanding, a separate homage from an icon has been identified to be worthy of note and deemed as the perfect sent forth message for the retired shot stopper.
Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi has conveyed his admiration for Iker Casillas who announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The duo faced each other in El Classico up to a decade with Messi scoring 17 goals against Casillas. The astonishing strike rate seemingly sets the record for most goal conceded by the goalkeeper to a player but the six times Ballon d’Or has told Casillas that he is an amazing goalkeeper who gave him tough time during his spell in Spain.
Messi told Spanish daily sport newspaper AS that: “Iker is retiring today, but his status as a legend of the game was secured long ago – not just because he was one of La Liga’s best players, but also because he won everything at international level.”
“You’re a fantastic goalkeeper and were a really tough opponent, I have to say. Looking back, I think it was a really special rivalry that pushed us to reach new levels every time we came up against each other.”
Casillas made his debut for Madrid 1998 before taking a bow in 2015, a 17 years stint which saw him play 725 times winning four European Cups, five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey and four Spanish Super Cup.
During that window, the 39-year old captained Spain national to winning the ultimate football prize (World Cup) in 2010, the first in history of the country. His group also secured European Championships in two successive time, 2008 and 2012 respectively. He raised his total career honour to 24 after winning two trophies with Porto.
