Lionel Messi Posts Instagram Tribute to Retiring NBA Star Kobe Bryant

Argentina and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has taken to social media to post a tribute to retiring NBA great Kobe Bryant.

The Los Angeles Lakers' Bryant announced on Sunday that he would retire at the end of the season, bringing to an end one of the most decorated careers in NBA history.

Messi posted a photograph of Bryant to his Instagram account with the caption:

"[Bryant] will always be in the history books as one of the greatest. It was he who helped me become interested in basketball. All the best in the next stage of your life, Kobe."

[Instagram: Leo Messi]