Back to the NBA Newsfeed

Messi hails retiring Bryant as 'greatest'

View photo

"Kobe Bryant will always be in the history books as one of the greatest," Lionel Messi, pictured on November 24, 2015, wrote on his official Facebook page (AFP Photo/Pau Barrena)

Madrid (AFP) - Four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has spoken of his admiration for retiring NBA legend Kobe Bryant after a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant announced his decision to retire at the end of the season earlier this week having won five NBA titles and two Olympic gold medals in a hugely succesful career.

"It's always sad to hear when a sportsman is retiring.