Speaking to Cadena SER after Messi concluded his international career with a 3–0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Mónumental in Buenos Aires—scoring a penalty and providing two assists—Modrić lauded the 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner as an unmatched footballing prodigy. Across 27 direct encounters at both club and international levels, including fiery El Clásico derbies between Real Madrid and Barcelona and the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final, Modrić secured 10 wins and five draws against 12 losses to Messi. Regretting Messi’s international departure while fully respecting his decision, the AC Milan midfielder noted that watching Messi play was a true joy, even though competing against him brought immense hardship to both Croatia and Real Madrid. Modrić extended his best wishes for Messi’s future, celebrating his historic international achievement in delivering a World Cup title to Argentina.