Lionel Messi was all praise for Javier Mascherano after his former Argentina and Barcelona teammate retired.

Messi played with Mascherano for 14 of his 16 years in the national team, and for nine years together at Barcelona. Messi succeeded Mascherano as Argentina captain.

“It was so many years together, seeing each other every day and sharing so much,” Messi said on his Instagram account. “We lived very happy moments and also some very hard for Argentina and Barcelona. We have missed you since you left.”