Lionel Messi paid tribute to German legend Franz Beckenbauer, who breathed his last at the age of 78 today, January 9.

In the early morning of January 9, the soccer world received sad news when German legend – Franz Beckenbauer passed away at the age of 78.

Born on September 11, 1945, Beckenbauer started his career as a midfielder before switching to defense. Known as “The Emperor”, he reinvented the sweeper position in football with his class and excellent ball control.

Despite playing as a centre-back for most of his career, Beckenbauer still possesses class and ability on the ball that is second to none, and he is considered by many to be one of the greatest players in history. football history.

The German legend is idolized by even the greatest players in soccer. In it, Lionel Messi expressed his respect to Beckenbauer.

Accordingly, the champion World Cup 2022 posted an image of Beckenbauer on social networks to commemorate the late legend , Messi captioned the image with the words: “May he rest in peace.”

Messi remembers Beckenbauer. Photo: Instagram.

Franz Beckenbauer had an outstanding football career, winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup with West Germany. He also won the 1972 UEFA European Championship.

At club level, Beckenbauer represented Hamburg and Bayern Munich, but mainly played for the Gray Tigers. He won three UEFA Champions League titles (then called the European Cup) and five Bundesliga titles, among many other titles.

Beckenbauer also won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1972 and 1976. He was honored with the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Beckenbauer’s coaching career was similarly decorated. He won the 1990 FIFA World Cup with West Germany. The late German coach also coached Bayern Munich and Olympique de Marseille at the football club level.

Beckenbauer suffered from a disease that impaired his judgment and memory. The former German national team captain left an unforgettable legacy in football.